The Indian Army's approach to modernizing its anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) arsenal has raised questions. While the Army continues to depend heavily on older, 2nd-generation ATGMs, several domestically developed 3rd-generation systems are now available, developed both by the DRDO and private companies.
These new, indigenous 3rd-generation ATGMs offer significant advantages. These include "fire-and-forget" technology, which allows the missile to lock onto and track a target autonomously after launch, increased range, and improved ability to penetrate the armor of modern tanks.
Despite the availability and advanced capabilities of these homegrown systems, the Army has seemingly been slow to fully adopt them, continuing instead to procure more 2nd-generation systems, frequently through licensed production of foreign designs.
The core of the Indian Army's current ATGM inventory consists of 2nd-generation missiles like the Milan-2T and the Konkurs-M. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) produces these under license.
Although these missiles have proven reliable, they use semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight (SACLOS) guidance. This means the operator must manually guide the missile to its target, keeping it in sight until impact. This method makes the operator vulnerable to enemy fire and is less effective against fast-moving or heavily armored targets that are equipped with modern defensive systems.
In contrast, 3rd-generation ATGMs offer significant improvements. Their "fire-and-forget" capability, often using imaging infrared (IIR) seekers, allows the missile to autonomously track and hit targets after launch. Many also feature "top-attack" modes, targeting the weaker top armor of tanks. Furthermore, they generally possess greater range and more powerful warheads.
However, the Army's inventory of these advanced 3rd-generation ATGMs remains small, primarily consisting of a limited number of imported Israeli Spike-LR missiles, purchased to address urgent needs along critical borders.
India's Growing Arsenal of Indigenous 3rd-Gen ATGMs
India has made substantial progress in developing its own 3rd-generation ATGMs. Both government organizations like DRDO and private sector firms have contributed to this effort.These systems are intended to fulfill the Army's needs while reducing reliance on foreign imports, a major objective of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative.
DRDO and Government-Associated Developments:
- Nag Missile (Ground-Launched): Developed by DRDO and manufactured by BDL, the Nag is a "fire-and-forget" missile with top-attack capability and an IIR seeker. It has a range of 500 meters to 4 kilometers for land-based versions and boasts a 90% single-shot hit probability. The Nag, part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), has undergone extensive testing, including desert and night operations. The NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), a modified BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, is designed to deploy multiple Nag missiles. The system completed final user trials in 2020 and is ready for large-scale production.
- Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM): Developed by DRDO in collaboration with VEM Technologies, the MPATGM is a lightweight, "fire-and-forget" missile with an IIR seeker and a range of 200 meters to 4 kilometers. Weighing around 14.5 kg, it offers both top-attack and direct-attack modes. Designed for infantry and special forces, it has undergone numerous successful trials since 2018, including recent tests in 2024 at Pokhran that demonstrated its armor penetration capabilities. It is slated to replace the older Milan and Konkurs missiles.
- HELINA (Helicopter-Launched Nag): Also known as Dhruvastra (Air Force version), HELINA is a helicopter-launched version of the Nag, developed by DRDO. It has a range of 7-8 kilometers and is designed for integration with helicopters like the HAL Rudra and Prachand. Trials in 2021 confirmed its day-and-night operational capability and ability to penetrate substantial armor.
- SANT (Stand-off Anti-Tank Missile): Developed by DRDO. It is a fire and forget missile, millimetre-wave seeker, having range of 15-20 KM, designed for air to ground roles. Successful test-firing have been conducted.
- Amogha-III: Developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), this "fire-and-forget" ATGM with an IIR seeker has a range of 200 meters to 2.5 kilometers and features top-attack capability. Successfully test-fired in 2023, the Amogha-III is designed as a man-portable system, comparable to the US Javelin and Israeli Spike, with an emphasis on lightweight design for infantry use.
Private Sector Developments:
- AsiBal (Advanced Anti-Tank Missile): Developed by VEM Technologies, a private firm based in Hyderabad, AsiBal is a "fire-and-forget" missile with an IIR seeker and a range of up to 4 kilometers. It is designed as a lightweight option for infantry and is currently undergoing trials. It aims to compete with DRDO's MPATGM and is also being considered for export.
A phased approach is recommended, with initial smaller-scale inductions of the Nag, MPATGM, and Amogha-III for operational testing, alongside efforts to increase production capacity.
Improved collaboration between DRDO, private companies, and the Army is crucial to address any concerns about reliability and to ensure swift deployment of these advanced indigenous systems.
