DRDO, Indian Army test-fire indigenous anti-tank missiles for 2nd time in a month

In the second round of trials in just over a month, indigenously-developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) were successfully test-fired from the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army at KK Ranges in Maharashtra on August 4. 

“The missiles hit with precision and successfully destroyed the targets at two different ranges. Telemetry systems have recorded the satisfactory flight performance of the missiles,” the Ministry of Defence declared in a statement. The trials validate the capability of the missile to destroy targets at the minimum and maximum range.

This was the second round of test-firings since June 28. 

“The all-indigenous Laser Guided ATGM employs a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles. The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun,” the statement elaborated.

Engaging targets at lower ranges is a challenge due to the dimensional constraints of tank launched ATGMs, which has been successfully accomplished by the ATGM for MBT Arjun. With the trial, the ATGM’s capability to engage targets from minimum to maximum range has been established. Earlier the trials have been successful for maximum range.

The two successful rounds of test-firings are an indication that the indigenous ATGM is in an advanced stage of development with active cooperation from the Army.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful test firing of the Laser Guided ATGMs. 

Defence R&D Secretary and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy also congratulated the teams associated with the test firing.