The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has recently completed successful final user trials for the 3rd generation Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) NAG. These took place at the Pokhran range in Thar desert (Rajasthan).
About the NAG missile
Developed by DRDO, the NAG missile is designed to strike and neutralise heavily fortified enemy tanks, having even night strike capabilities. ATGMs are missile systems that can effectively neutralise armoured vehicles such as tanks. The NAG boasts a minimum range of 500 metres and a maximum range of 4 km.
NAG is a third-generation ‘fire and forget’ category system, which uses an imaging infra-red seeker to lock onto the target before launch. Depending upon the method of attack – top or direct – it travels at different altitudes before striking the target. It has the capability to defeat Main Battle Tanks (MBT) equipped with composite and reactive armour. The NAG missile carrier (NAMICA) is a Russian-origin BMP-II based system with amphibious capability. The BMP-II is a mechanized infantry fighting vehicle.
Current version and future developments
At present, the DRDO is working on the development of a helicopter-launched version of the NAG ATGM named Helina, which saw successful tests in 2018.
Production and significance
Post this final user trial, the NAG missile will enter the production phase. Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will be responsible for the production of the missile, while the NAMICA will be produced by Ordnance Factory, Medak. This eliminates the need for the Indian Army to import this weapon from countries like Israel or USA.
Previously, due to a lack of credible anti-tank weapons, India had to purchase around 200 pieces of Spike anti-tank missiles from Israel. This was in response to aggression by the People’s Liberation Army (China) in Ladakh. The Indian army currently employs second-generation Milan 2T and Konkur ATGMs, but has been on the lookout for third-generation missiles which are essential for halting advancing enemy tanks.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
India’s missile development programs have been conducted under the ‘Integrated Guided Missile Development Program’ (IGMDP). The goal of IGMDP, conceived by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, is to ensure India becomes self-sufficient in the field of missile technology.
Under this program, five types of missiles have been developed: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, and Akash. These range from short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
Recent Tests
The NAG ATGM trial is the latest in a series of missile tests by the DRDO over the past one-and-a-half months. These include trials of two other ATGMs – the Laser-Guided ATGM, and the Stand-Off Anti-Tank Missile (SANT). In addition, the DRDO successfully tested India’s first indigenous anti-radiation missile, named Rudram, the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system, nuclear capable missile Shaurya, Naval version of the BrahMos and Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).
Last Modified: February 9, 2024