DRDO’s Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) has successfully completed all necessary trials and is now set for induction into the Indian Army.

The comprehensive test series included impressive warhead performance and operational evaluations at the Pokhran Range, Rajasthan, with the MP-ATGM demonstrating remarkable tandem warhead penetration against modern armour, fully meeting the Army’s requirements for defeating contemporary main battle tanks.​

The MP-ATGM is a third-generation, fire-and-forget missile equipped with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker and AI-driven image processing. It supports top-attack and direct-attack modes and boasts indigenous design and production, making it notably cost-effective for the Indian Army.

The MP-ATGM has an effective range from 200 metres to 2.5 kilometres and offers a lightweight launch package for flexibility in infantry operations. Its tandem warhead ensures effectiveness against modern, reactive armoured targets; however, its range is more limited than that of Spike variants.​

The missile system is lightweight, with a total launch unit under 15 kg, allowing rapid deployment by infantry or special forces. MP-ATGM includes a state-of-the-art imaging infrared seeker, day-night operational capability, top-attack precision, and a dual-mode seeker for high accuracy in diverse operational environments. It is designed with a range of up to 2.5 km.​

Development has involved Bharat Dynamics Limited, which is readying production following the completion of user trials. The system is now slated to replace legacy second-generation missiles such as MILAN and Konkurs within Indian military service, providing a modern indigenous solution that supports self-reliance in critical defence technologies.​

Parallel to MP-ATGM induction, Army authorities have confirmed that a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a 4th-generation ATGM system is entering final stages. This future system is expected to incorporate advanced features such as multimode seekers, networked fire-control, enhanced team tactics, and capabilities specifically designed to defeat active protection systems on next-generation armoured platforms.​

Officials have indicated that the Make-2 route is under consideration for this new ATGM programme, opening avenues for both private and public sector innovation and ensuring assured orders for successful prototype developments. The aim is to further reinforce indigenous anti-armour capabilities through robust domestic R&D and manufacturing pipelines.​

Competition Analysis

The DRDO MP-ATGM, American Javelin, and Israeli Spike are all advanced anti-tank guided missile systems, but they possess distinct operational features suited to varied battlefield needs.​

FeatureMP-ATGM (India)Spike (Israel)Javelin (USA)
GenerationThird-generationThird/Fourth-generationThird-generation
GuidanceImaging Infrared (IIR), fire-and-forgetElectro-optical/infrared, fire-and-forget, man-in-the-loopFire-and-forget Infrared
Attack ModesTop-attack, Direct-attackTop-attack, Direct-attackTop-attack, Direct-attack
Range200 m – 2.5 kmUp to 25 km (variant dependent)75 m – 4.75 km
Weight~14.5 kg (missile), 14.25 kg (launcher)Heavier, varies by variantLightweight, highly portable
WarheadTandem HEATTandem HEAT, multiple variantsTandem HEAT
Indigenous ContentFully indigenousForeign; limited domestic productionForeign; possible co-production
Service Status (India)Induction-readyLimited induction (MR/LR variants)Not inducted (offered, not fielded)
EffectivenessDesigned for modern armour/ERA; trials across varied Indian conditionsProven multi-role, but faced sensor issues in Indian desert heatHighly effective; faced issues at high altitude trials in India
Key StrengthsCost-effective, self-reliant, terrain-adaptedLong-range, networked, versatile targetsBattlefield proven, lethal, advanced seeker
Key LimitationsRange less than Spike/Javelin, not in large use yetHigh cost, some operational trial failures in IndiaVery high cost, procurement/politics, some high-altitude issues

IDN (With Agency Inputs)