Published: 10 January 2026PIBGeneral

DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests Third-Generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile

AQuick answer

DRDO tests MPATGM with top-attack and fire-and-forget capability against moving target in Maharashtra.

Key facts

DRDO successfully flight-tested a third-generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top-attack capability against a moving target on January 11, 2026
Test conducted at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra; the MPATGM is derived from India's Nag ATGM
Features fire-and-forget guidance with advanced dual-mode imaging infrared homing sensor for day and night operations
Missile has both direct and top-attack capabilities, firing in lock-on-before-launch mode
Validates India's capability to produce advanced infantry anti-tank weapons domestically, reducing dependence on imports like Javelin or Spike missiles

DRDO successfully flight-tested a third-generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top-attack capability against a moving target on January 11, 2026 at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. The MPATGM, derived from India's Nag ATGM, features fire-and-forget guidance with an advanced dual-mode imaging infrared homing sensor for day and night operations.

With both direct and top-attack capabilities, the missile fires in lock-on-before-launch mode. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh termed it 'an important step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The successful test validates India's capability to produce advanced infantry anti-tank weapons domestically, reducing dependence on imports of similar systems like the Javelin or Spike missiles.

PYQPrelims/PYQ angle

RAS 2024 Strategic importance of indigenisation in defence, especially missiles — The MPATGM test directly exemplifies indigenous missile development and import substitution for infantry anti-tank systems.

Mains angle

Q: Evaluate the significance of DRDO's successful flight-test of the third-generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile for India's indigenous defence capability.

Answer (50 words):

On 11 January 2026 at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, DRDO tested the Nag-derived MPATGM in top-attack mode against a moving target. Fire-and-forget guidance with dual-mode imaging infrared sensors supports day-night, lock-on-before-launch engagement. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh hailed it as a step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reducing Javelin and Spike dependence.

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Defence & Space TechnologyScience & TechnologyRecent Advancements & Indian ContributionsScience & Technology

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CoverageNationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB

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TSpace & defence: Indian space programme, satellites, launch vehicles, remote sensing, missiles, drone tech, chemical/biological weapons TDefence & Space Technology

Practice MCQ from this story

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Linked questionMedium

DRDO's MP-AUVs were developed by which laboratory?

ATBRL, ChandigarhCorrectIncorrect

BARDE, PuneCorrectIncorrect

CDRDL, HyderabadCorrectIncorrect

DNSTL, VisakhapatnamCorrectIncorrect

Explanation · Correct answer D

The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam developed the MP-AUVs.

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Source: PIB

Frequently asked questions

What missile did DRDO flight-test at KK Ranges on January 11, 2026?

DRDO successfully flight-tested a third-generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. The test demonstrated top-attack capability against a moving target.

Which missile is the MPATGM derived from and what sensor does it use?

The MPATGM is derived from India's Nag ATGM. It uses fire-and-forget guidance with an advanced dual-mode imaging infrared homing sensor for day and night operations.

What attack modes and launch mode does the MPATGM have?

The missile has both direct and top-attack capabilities. It fires in lock-on-before-launch mode.

Why was the MPATGM test significant for domestic weapons production?

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh called it an important step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The successful test validates India's capability to produce advanced infantry anti-tank weapons domestically, reducing dependence on imports of similar systems like Javelin or Spike missiles.

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