On Thursday DRDO successfully test fired indigenously developed, low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) in the ranges of Rajasthan desert. This was the second successful test since Wednesday

New Delhi: At the time when the tension between India and Pakistan is at its peak, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been carrying out back-to-back successful tests of indigenous weaponry. DRDO has carried out a total of five tests of their two homegrown modern weapon system.

On Thursday DRDO successfully test fired indigenously developed, low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) in the ranges of Rajasthan desert. This was the second successful test since Wednesday.

MPATGM is incorporated with advanced features including state-of-the-art Imaging Infrared Radar (IIR) Seeker with integrated avionics. In the missions, the missiles hit the designated targets precisely at different ranges. All the mission objectives have been met.

The MPATGM is a third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). which is now considered as a major boost to Make-in-India initiative. It has a strike range of 2.5 km. It weighs around 14.5 kg to maintain man-portability. It is capable of being fired from the shoulder and can be used during day and night. It has a minimum lateral centre of gravity offset.

Earlier this week, DRDO also carried out three successful tests of Pinaka Multi-Barrel rocket system. These tests are significant as it will boost the high precision, reliable and capable weapons system of the Indian army. Three successful trials were conducted this week. The role of Guided Pinaka is key to avoid any collateral damage. Pinaka is a rocket system which has a capability to nullify the targeted area. The Indian Army used Pinaka Mark I in the 1999 Kargil war. The name of the rocket is derived from “Pinaka” which is considered as a bow of Lord Shiva.

The earlier version of the Pinaka rocket system could launch 12 rockets in just 44 seconds. Later DRDO decided to develop it into a precision-guided missile. The range and accuracy of the Pinaka rocket system are being increased. The development process is ongoing and various reports suggest that a more lethal Pinaka system will be ready for the Indian Army’s use by 2020.