New Delhi: The indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile was successfully tested at KK range in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, on June 28 by the DRDO and the Indian Army. The anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) was successfully test fired from Arjun battle tank.

“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,” a Defence Ministry statement said.

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 Arjun tank, it noted.  “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,” the statement said.

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, the ministry further stated.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and Indian Army for the successful trial of the ATGM. “With today’s 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,” the statement added.