DRDO MP-ATGM: India’s MP-ATGM is a small but serious anti-tank missile made by DRDO. The project was sanctioned in January 2015, and it was built to give the Army a light weapon that infantry soldiers can carry and use without a vehicle. The goal was to replace older imported systems like the French Milan and the Russian Konkurs with an Indian-made option. In the newest official update, the Ministry of Defence said the Army has now been approved to buy MPATGM systems, and the missile is meant to help infantry counter mechanised threats.
What Makes it Different?
The MP-ATGM is a third-generation “fire & forget” missile. That means once a soldier fires it, the missile does the rest on its own. The soldier does not need to keep guiding it after launch.
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The missile also has “top attack” power, so it can strike a tank from above, where armour is usually weaker. Official DRDO and PIB releases say the weapon uses:
- Imaging Infrared seeker
- All-electric control actuation system, a fire control system
- Tandem warhead
- Indigenous propulsion system
- High-performance sighting system.
DRDO also says the weapon can be launched from a tripod or a military vehicle launcher.
Long Testing Journey
The missile has taken a long road to get here. DRDO first carried out successful trials in September 2018. In March 2019, it hit a target at about 2.5 km. After that, work continued through the COVID-19 period and the missile kept getting better. In January 2022, DRDO tested the final deliverable version and confirmed the minimum range performance. In 2024, DRDO’s newsletter said two validation trials at Pokhran hit their marks and matched Army requirements.
Then on January 11, 2026, DRDO successfully flight-tested the missile against a moving target at KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. That 2026 test again proved the missile’s top-attack ability and used indigenous parts, including the thermal target system built by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur.
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Why does India wants it?
The MP-ATGM cuts dependence on foreign weapons and supports “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. It also fits the “Make in India” push by keeping more design, testing, and production work inside the country. DRDO’s 2026 release said Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the development-cum-production partners for the system.
Most recently the Defence Acquisition Council approved MPATGM procurement for the Army on July 3, 2026, which is a strong sign that the missile is moving closer to full use.
