India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) declared self-reliance in anti-tank guided missiles after successfully test-firing an indigenous Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) on September 11 at a test-firing range in Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.

This is the third successful test-firing of DRDO's MPATGM. The DRDO seeks to shut the doors for import of this category of missiles.

Although the Indian Army recently made an urgent purchase of a limited quantity of Israeli Spike anti-tank missiles, a much larger procurement of these missiles was cancelled last year after the DRDO indicated that its technology for a third-generation ATGM was close to maturity

Although the Indian Army recently made an urgent purchase of a limited quantity of Israeli Spike anti-tank missiles, a much larger procurement of these missiles was cancelled last year after the DRDO indicated that its technology for a third-generation ATGM was close to maturity.

The Indian Army has an estimated requirement of 70,000 third generation ATGMs, and about 850 launchers. It seeks to phase out the Milan 2T and Konkur ATGMs that it is currently using.

The test-firing demonstrated a precision hit by the fire and forget missile in the top attack mode.

The Indian Army has an estimated requirement of 70,000 third generation ATGMs, and about 850 launchers. It seeks to phase out the Milan 2T and Konkur ATGMs that it is currently using

"The missile was launched from a man portable Tripod launcher and the target was mimicking a functional tank. The missile hit the target in top attack mode and destroyed it with precision. All the mission objectives were met," declared Bharat Bhushan Babu, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence.

"This is the third series of successful testing of MPATGM. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics. The test paves the way for the Army to have developed 3rd generation man portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile indigenously," he added.