India’s Indigenous Anti-Tank Missile Clears Final Trials, Declared Ready For Induction Into Army

India’s indigenously developed Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Nag has been declared ready for induction into the Indian Army after the latest desert trails of the missile against two tank targets at different ranges and timings were successful.

The Nag is a third-generation “fire-and-forget” missile. Once fired, its infrared seekers automatically guides the missile to the target. The ATGM has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Initially, the Army is likely to place an order for 443 Nag ATGMs and 13 NAMICA missile launch vehicles. In its perspective plan, the Army has projected the need for 7000 Nag missiles and around 200 NAMICAs.

The DRDO is currently developing two new variants of the missile for the Indian Air Force: the 8km-range ‘Helina’ to arm Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and a 10km-range variant capable of being launched from aircraft. A man-portable version of the missile, which would weigh less than 14 kg, is also being developed.