New Delhi, Jan 12: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), its industry partners, and the defence sector following the successful flight test of the Third-Generation Fire and Forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability. He described the achievement as a significant step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the MPATGM was successfully flight tested against a moving target at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, on January 11, 2026.
The indigenously developed MPATGM incorporates advanced technologies, including an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, all-electric Control Actuation System, Fire Control System, tandem warhead, high-performance sighting system, and propulsion system. These cutting-edge components were developed by DRDO’s sister laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune, and Instruments Research & Development Establishment, Dehradun.
The Thermal Target System, developed by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, simulated the target tank for the test. The missile’s IIR seeker enables day-and-night combat operations, and its warhead is capable of defeating modern main battle tanks. The Development-Cum-Production Partners (DcPP) include Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited. The MPATGM can be launched from a tripod or a military vehicle launcher, enhancing battlefield flexibility.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the DcPP partners, and the industry for the successful trial, calling it a landmark step for India’s self-reliant defence capabilities.
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, confirmed that the trial successfully validated the weapon system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Army.
“The successful test demonstrates India’s growing prowess in advanced indigenous missile technologies and strengthens the nation’s defence preparedness,” the Ministry of Defence release said.