Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

Category: Sci &Tech, Defence

Why In the News?

• Recently, DRDO and the Indian Army conduct successful trials of the indigenous Anti-tank Guided Missile system ‘MPATGM’.

What is Anti-tank Guided Missiles?

• Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) serve to dismantle heavily armored military vehicles. Ranging from portable options manageable by a single soldier to larger tripod-mounted systems necessitating a team, these missiles also find deployment on vehicles and aircraft.
• Guided by electro-optical imagers, lasers, or W-band radar seekers, they operate as 'fire-and-forget' munitions, obviating the need for continued guidance after launch.
• The Laser-Guided ATGM, employing a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, aims to overcome Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) protection.
• Examples of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles:

1. Helina, with a seven-kilometer range and versatility against conventional and explosive reactive armored tanks,
2. Nag, a third-generation fire-and-forget missile for mechanized units,
3. MPATGM, a Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile tailored for infantry use with a 2.5-kilometer range and top-attack capability
4. SANT, a Smart Stand-off Anti-Tank Missile in development for the Air Force's anti-tank operations from the Mi-35 Helicopter.
5. Amogha-II, 3rd generation man-portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)

About MPATGM

• The indigenously designed and developed by the DRDO, Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) is characterized by its low weight and fire-and-forget capability.
• It is Equipped with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIS) and advanced avionics, the missile boasts cutting-edge technology.
• It employs a passive weapon guidance system, utilizing the infrared light emitted by a target to track and pursue it.
• This infrared seeking capability categorizes the MPATGM as a "heat-seeker" missile, as it is highly responsive to infrared radiation emitted by hot objects.
• The incorporation of the Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker enhances the missile's accuracy and target acquisition capabilities.
• With its fire-and-forget capability and advanced guidance system, the MPATGM offers a formidable solution for engaging armoured targets with precision and effectiveness.