The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability

The Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun on Tuesday. Addition of the ATGM will significantly enhance the firepower of the Main Battle Tank system.

The test firing was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army at KK Ranges with support of Armoured Corps Centre & School (ACC&S) Ahmednagar, said the Ministry of Defence.

"In the test, the ATGM hit the bull’s eye with textbook precision and successfully defeated the target at minimum ranges. Telemetry systems recorded the satisfactory flight performance of the missile," the ministry added.

The all-indigenous 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.

According to the defence ministry, engaging the 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.R

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO and Indian Army for the successful trial of the Laser Guided ATGM. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO G Satheesh Reddy stated that successful development of laser guided ATGM will enhance the fire power of the MBT Arjun, the defence ministry said.