Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM) | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

An Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM), also known as an anti-tank missile, anti-tank guided weapon, or anti-armor guided weapon, is a precision-guided munition designed primarily to target and destroy heavily armored military vehicles. This article delves into the various aspects of ATGMs, including their sizes, technology, warheads, guidance systems, and notable examples developed in India, with a focus on recent advancements and strategic considerations as of 2025.Missile Defense

Key features and technologies of ATGMs

Guidance Systems:

• 1st Generation: Initially, ATGMs required manual commands from the operator to steer the missile towards the target.
• 2nd Generation: Semi-automatic guided missiles, where the operator had to maintain sight on the target until impact.
• 3rd Generation: These ATGMs are equipped with advanced guidance systems, such as electro-optical imagers (IIR), lasers, or W-band radar seekers, located in the missile's nose. They are often referred to as "fire-and-forget" missiles because once launched, they do not require further operator guidance. This allows the operator to retreat immediately after firing, enhancing survivability in modern warfare.
• Size:
  • Small ATGMs: These can be carried and launched by a single person and are shoulder-launched, ideal for infantry units.
  • Medium-sized ATGMs: These require a team of soldiers to transport and launch, often used for tactical engagements.
  • Large ATGMs: These can be mounted on aircraft or main battle tanks and can be launched from significant distances, providing strategic advantages.
• Technology Advancements:
  • Modern ATGMs can be fired from greater distances and effectively engage light, medium, and heavy armored vehicles, thanks to advancements in guidance and propulsion technologies. As of 2025, these systems incorporate dual-mode seekers and tandem warheads for enhanced penetration.
• Warheads:
  • ATGMs use different warheads depending on the size and armor of the target. One common type is the High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, which features a metal spike designed to penetrate armored vehicles, often supplemented by tandem warheads to defeat Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).

Laser-Guided ATGMs

• Description: Laser-guided ATGMs employ tandem HEAT warheads to defeat Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) on armored vehicles, ensuring high precision and lethality.
• Launch Capability: These missiles can be launched from various platforms, including ground vehicles, helicopters, and tanks. As of 2025, they have been successfully tested for firing from the 120 mm rifled gun of the MBT Arjun, enhancing the tank's anti-armor capabilities.

Anti-Tank Missiles in India

India's ATGM development reflects its strategic focus on self-reliance and modernization. By 2025, the Indian Army is navigating a critical choice between indigenous systems like MPATGM and foreign options such as the Israeli Spike and American Javelin, balancing technological superiority with national priorities.

DRDO ATM

• Type: First-generation wire-guided ATGM, now largely phased out in favor of advanced systems.
• Speed and Range: Subsonic speed up to 300 ft/s with a range of 1.6 km.
• Warhead: Carries a 106 mm HEAT warhead, less effective against modern armor.

AMOGHA

• Type: Guided ATGM developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited.
• Range: Up to 2.8 km, suitable for short-range engagements.
• Special Feature: Uses "thermal intelligent vision" for precise target engagement in various conditions.

NAG

• Type: Third-generation fire-and-forget ATGM, designed for versatility.
• Operational Range: 500 m to 20 km, covering a wide range of combat scenarios.
• Variants: Includes land version, helicopter-launched Nag (HELINA), man-portable version (MPATGM), air-launched version, and Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA).

HELINA/Dhruvastra

• Range: Maximum of seven kilometers, optimized for helicopter launches.
• Capabilities: All-weather, day and night operation, effective against various armor types, inducted into service by 2025.

SANT

• Type: Smart Stand-off Anti-Tank Missile, development stalled as of 2025.
• Platform: Designed for launch from Mi-35 Helicopter, but no significant progress reported recently.

MPATGM

• Type: Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile, inducted into the Indian Army by 2025.
• Range: 2.5 kilometers, designed for infantry use.
• Special Features: Fire-and-forget, top-attack capabilities, dual-mode seeker, and tandem warhead for defeating modern armor, replacing older Milan and Konkurs systems.

ATGM for MBT Arjun

• Type: Laser-guided precision munition, fully integrated by 2025.
• Platform: Launched from the 120mm rifled gun of the Arjun tank, enhancing its combat effectiveness.
• Purpose: Engage and defeat Explosive Reactive Armour-protected targets with high accuracy.

Strategic Considerations and Procurement

As of 2025, India is pursuing a major procurement of up to 40,000 3rd generation ATGMs under the "Buy (Indian-IDDM)" category, emphasizing at least 60% indigenous content. This initiative aims to modernize the Indian Army's anti-tank capabilities, with MPATGM at the forefront, while considering foreign systems like the American Javelin and Israeli Spike for immediate needs and joint production opportunities. This strategic dilemma reflects India's balance between self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat and the need for advanced technology to counter modern threats.

Conclusion

Anti-tank guided missiles have evolved significantly, incorporating advanced technologies like dual-mode seekers and tandem warheads, making them formidable against modern armored vehicles. India's contributions to ATGM development, particularly through systems like MPATGM and HELINA, underscore its commitment to self-reliance and defense modernization. The ongoing procurement and strategic choices as of 2025 highlight India's proactive approach to enhancing its military capabilities in a dynamic geopolitical landscape.