In the modern world of today, there is always a need for equipping soldiers with better and lethal weapons to fight the enemy efficiently. India also noticed the need to equip its soldiers with state-of-art Man-portable-anti-tank-guided-missile (MP-ATGM). To fulfill the requirement, DRDO was asked to develop a state-of-art MP-ATGM. DRDO started working on the project in 2005.
By the time, the nag missile had also started giving fruits so it helped DRDO to make a man-portable missile based on the NAG technology. The aim of the project is to give a light-weight missile that could be operated by 1 or 2 personnel and that can effectively counter incoming enemy tanks.
DRDO came up with a missile of desired specifications that are of international standards. Although the missile is still under-development but its initial tests have gone completely successful. The DRDO promised to deliver the MP-ATGM by 2021. The government viewed it as an opportunity to boost make in India. And decided to scrap the deal with Israel.
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We will talk it about later on, but first, let’s discuss the specifications of MP-ATGM.
Specifications Of MP-ATGM
- Mass – 14.5 kg (32 lb)
- Length – 1,300 mm (4 feet 3 inch)
- Diameter – 120 mm (4.7 inch)
- Warhead – High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)
- Operational Range – 2.5 km
- Guidance system – Imaging infra-red
- Manufacturer – Bharat Dynamics Limited DRDO, VEM Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Indo-Israel Spike ATGM Deal
In December 2017, the Indian government scrapped a $500 mn deal with Rafael for 321 Spike ATGM launchers and 8,356 missiles only to reauthorize it in January 2018 during a state visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India.
In 2014, India selected Spike missile over US’s FGM-148 Javelin missile.
Although large procurement of Spike ATGM was canceled but a small batch of 240 Spike ATGM and 12 launchers were ordered as a part of “emergency procurement”.
This became possible only after the the powers of vice-chief of army were increased and they were authorized to procure weapons and ammunition worth $72 million without any prior permission from Mod (Ministry of Defence).
The special powers were given to the vice- chief of army during the face-off between India and Pakistan in 2019 following Balakot airstrikes by the IAF.
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