The North News
New Delhi, January 12
India has successfully flight-tested a third-generation man-portable anti-tank guided missile with a “fire-and-forget” capability, the defence ministry said on Monday. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was tested against a moving target and demonstrated its top-attack feature, which allows it to strike armoured vehicles from above, where protection is typically weaker.
The test was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad and is seen as a significant step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated scientists, industry partners and production agencies involved in the programme. In a statement, he described the successful trial as an important milestone towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the government’s initiative to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment.
The missile is designed to be lightweight and portable, enabling infantry soldiers to engage enemy tanks and armoured vehicles in a range of battlefield conditions without the need for continuous guidance after launch. Officials said further trials and evaluations would pave the way for its induction into the Indian armed forces.
