Opinion Punch Against Armor: Missiles That Remain Indispensable

The Indian Army has released an RFI seeking procurement of Anti-Tank guided missiles (ATGM) with man-portable to be handled by a crew of three. While the exact number of requirements is not specified, high emphasis is given to Indian vendors in view of making in India or promoting indigenized content. [1]

Let us try to understand why anti-tank missiles, especially with man-portable design, assume importance. There are a number of anti-tank missiles based on range, weight, dimension, physical conditions, and missiles mounted on wheeled or tracked platforms. But these launch platforms themselves are prone to counterattacks. Therefore, an ATGM launched by a man-portable unit with fire and forget capability allows them to move to a safer place.

Now, let us understand why ATGMs are important on the battlefield.
The presence of anti-tank missile systems acts as a deterrent to enemy armored formations, as the formations can be destroyed or incapacitated by these weapons. Their precision, range, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability make them indispensable for modern armies, providing a counterbalance to the power of armored forces and enhancing the survivability and effectiveness of lighter, more mobile units.
Considering the gravity of these systems, even Gen. MM Naravane (Retd) has emphasized a long-term objective for anti-tank guided missiles. [2]

Few advantages of ATGM

• Precision and Stand-Off Capability
• Versatility and Tactical Flexibility
• Cost-Effectiveness
• Adaptability to Modern Warfare
• Effectiveness Against Different Threats
• Impact on Urban and Asymmetric Warfare

Like many other systems even the ATGMs have evolved technically over the period of time.

1st - Gen: These systems employed MCLOS (manual command to line of sight), requiring inputs from an operator with some kind of steering like a joystick to guide the missile towards the target.

2nd - Gen: These systems employed SALCOS (Semi-automatic command to line of sight), required the operators to keep the focus on the target until the missile hits.

3rd - Gen: These systems made a generational improvement over its predecessors. They employed Imaging Infrared Seeker (IIR) seeker, and thereby improving the opportunity for the operator to move.

4th - Gen: fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missiles have larger range and Uses multi-mode/dual seekers for guidance such as combining Laser and Electro-Optical (EO/IR).

5th - Gen: They appear to have the following additional or amplified attributes:

• Passive dual-band seeker (TV and uncooled IR)
• Multipurpose tandem warhead
• Smokeless propellant
• Man in the loop technology
• Emphasis on targets other than tanks

6th - Gen: A non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile is a weapon system that can engage targets even if they are not directly visible to the launch platform, allowing for strikes on concealed or distant targets. They can effectively target enemies or assets hidden behind obstacles, mountains, or in urban environments.

Real-time Tactical Intelligence:
NLOS systems often incorporate real-time video imagery and data links, allowing operators to see the target and adjust the missile's flight path or even abort the mission if necessary.

Lessons from Russia Ukraine conflict

The use of anti-tank weapons was so immense that many foreign systems became popular during this conflict. According to CNN, the Javelin is one of three weapons that changed the course of Ukraine’s war with Russia. [3]

Anti-tank missiles are one of the top systems that Ukraine received from its partners and friends. [4]

• AT4 anti-tank weapon (USA) = 10,567
• Javelin ATGM (USA) = 10,200
• AT4 anti-tank weapon (Sweden) = 10,000
• RGW 90 Matador MOAT (Germany) = 7,994
• NLAW anti-tank weapon (UK) = 6,015
• M72 MPATS (Canada) = 4,500
• M72 MPATS (Norway) = 4,000
• Panzerfaust 3 MPATS (Germany) = 3,000
• M72 MPATS (Denmark) = 2,700
• Single shot anti-tank weapon (Finland) = 1,500
• AT4 anti-tank weapon (France) = 1,500
• M72 MPATS (Belgium) = 200
• NLAW anti-tank weapon (Luxembourg)= 102

The use of anti-tank missiles has been used extensively by both sides in the conflict. Russia has deployed ‘Bulsae-4’ anti-tank missiles sourced from North Korea. These missiles are launched from M-2010 6x6 armored vehicles, which have a capacity of carrying up to eight missiles. These missiles feature Non-Line of Sight and have a range of 10 km for precision strike. [5]

Market and trends
There are a host of options available in the world, such as the likes of Javelin, NLAW, Arekon, and Spike. According to European Security & Defence (ESD), It is estimated that compounded annual growth rates (CAGRs) for AGTM vary between 3.1% and 4.7% and predicted that sales will reach around USD 4.2 billion by 2032. [6]

The Top pick for India
The foremost bet on defence capabilities is always indigenous systems, so as not to rely on any foreign suppliers due to export controls or changing dynamics of international relations. On a stopgap measure, the Indian army can procure Israeli Spike missiles as these are the best available ones due to various factors, such as advanced technology, quicker adaptation, and previously acquired and operated by the Army and the Air Force. [2] [7]

India has very few indigenous options available, and the majority are from the state-owned entities such as Nag Missile (DRDO), MPATGM (DRDO), Amogha III (BDL), and AsiBAl from the private company VEM technologies based in Hyderabad.

Both MPATGM and Amogha III look promising due its portability factor, but are still in user trials and lag behind the competition that the foreign vendors have to offer.

References​

[1]	Indian Army, [Online]. Available: https://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/rfi/2033/931bac8a-70e4-4428-b4f6-6395a6fd2916.pdf.
[2]	G. M. N. (Retd), "India’s anti-tank missile dilemma—build, buy, or scramble for quick fix when crisis hits border," The Print, 17 Mar 2025. [Online]. Available: https://theprint.in/opinion/indias-anti-tank-missile-dilemma-mpatgm-spike-javelin/2550309/.
[3]	B. Lendon, "Three weapons that changed the course of Ukraine’s war with Russia," CNN, 25 Feb 2023. [Online]. Available: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/25/europe/ukraine-war-three-key-weapons-intl-hnk.
[4]	D. Clark, "Number of portable defense systems delivered or committed to Ukraine as of January 2024, by type and donor country," statista, 28 Nov 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1314473/ukraine-portable-defence-systems/.
[5]	The Asia Live News Service, "Russia Deploy North Korean “Bulsae-4” Anti-Tank Missiles in Ukraine, Signaling Deepening Military Ties," The Asia Live, 18 Oct 2024. [Online]. Available: https://theasialive.com/russia-depl...signaling-deepening-military-ties/2024/10/18/.
[6]	S. E. Dean, "ATGM market overview," European Security & Defence, 27 June 2024. [Online]. Available: https://euro-sd.com/2024/06/articles/39014/atgm-market-overview/.
[7]	ANI, "India receives Spike NLOS missiles from Israel, firing trials shortly," ANI, 3 Aug 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.aninews.in/news/world/a...m-israel-firing-trials-shortly20230803175146/.