DRDO successfully tests MPATGM with top attack capability against moving target
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted an MPATGM test on January 11, 2026, when it flight-tested the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile with top attack capability against a moving target.
The third-generation fire-and-forget MPATGM was tested at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, carried out the trial. The missile accurately engaged and hit a moving target, validating its performance under operational conditions.
According to DRDO, the MPATGM is an indigenously developed system that incorporates several advanced technologies. These include an Imaging Infrared homing seeker, an all-electric control actuation system, a modern fire control system, a tandem warhead, a reliable propulsion system, and a high-performance sighting system. Multiple DRDO laboratories contributed to the project, ensuring full indigenous development.
The Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory in Pune, and Instruments Research and Development Establishment in Dehradun played key roles in developing critical subsystems. Together, these laboratories enabled the successful MPATGM test and demonstrated coordinated indigenous capability.
The Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur developed the Thermal Target System used during the trial. This system simulated a tank-like target and enabled realistic evaluation. The Imaging Infrared seeker demonstrated effective day and night combat capability during the MPATGM test.
MPATGM test clears path towards Army induction
DRDO stated that the tandem warhead is capable of defeating modern main battle tanks. In addition, the missile can be launched either from a tripod or a military vehicle-mounted launcher, enhancing its operational flexibility for the Army.
Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the Development-Cum-Production Partners for the MPATGM. Their involvement supports faster production and future deployment once the system enters service.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, its industry partners, and the production agencies for the successful MPATGM test. He described the achievement as an important step towards strengthening Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.
Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, also congratulated the teams involved. He said the successful trial validated the system’s design and performance. He added that the MPATGM test would now lead the weapon system towards induction into the Indian Army.
With this successful trial, DRDO has moved closer to equipping the Army with a modern, indigenous anti-tank missile system capable of precision strikes against armoured threats.
