A third generation ‘fire and forget’ Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability has been flight-tested successfully against a moving target by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The indigenously developed MPATGM consists of state-of-the-art indigenous technologies like imaging infrared (IIR) homing seeker, all electric control actuation system, fire control system, tandem warhead, propulsion system and high performance sighting system, DRDO said on Monday.

The weapon system has been produced by DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad. The missile can be launched from a tripod or a military vehicle launcher. It has an effective range of 4,000 metres.

Some components for the system have been provided by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune and Instruments Research and Development Establishment, Dehradun.

The thermal target system was developed by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur to simulate the target tank. The IIR seeker is well accomplished with day and night combat operation capability. The warhead is capable of defeating modern main battle tanks. Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the development-cum-production partners for the weapon System.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO and its industry partners for the successful test, terming it as an important step towards self-reliance. Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V. Kamat said that the trial target was successfully conducted, thereby leading the weapon system for induction into the Indian Army.