In a significant advancement for India’s self-sufficient defense framework, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have successfully conducted a test of the Nag Mk II Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from a newly developed Light Tank platform. This event marks a pivotal step in enhancing India’s indigenous defense capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at promoting self-reliance in military technology.
The Light Tank, which is a product of the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) of DRDO and produced by L&T, displayed its combat capabilities by launching the Nag Mk II missile, which successfully hit a target located five kilometers away. The missile met key performance metrics, demonstrating precision and effective range, along with its top-attack capability.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners, noting that this achievement symbolizes a proud moment in the country’s defense efforts and reflects its growing technological expertise in armored warfare systems.
Experts in the defense sector have highlighted the operational significance of this demonstration, particularly in terms of India’s preparedness for battlefield scenarios along the western front, especially against Pakistan, where armored and anti-tank operations are integral to military strategy.
The integration of the Light Tank with the Nag Mk II missile is expected to provide the Indian Army with a distinct edge in both desert and high-altitude combat environments, such as those found in Rajasthan and Ladakh. The third-generation Nag Mk II missile is designed to effectively neutralize modern adversary tanks armed with explosive reactive armor and other countermeasures. With a striking range of up to five kilometers, the missile can operate in both top-attack and direct-attack modes, significantly enhancing India’s capabilities in anti-armor operations across varied terrain.
Strategically, the high mobility of the Light Tank combined with the Nag Mk II’s advanced targeting accuracy enables rapid deployment and the engagement of enemy armor even under GPS-denied or low-visibility conditions, which are critical in the fast-paced nature of contemporary military conflicts.
The indigenous design and manufacturing of this system represent a strategic shift towards minimizing reliance on foreign weaponry, which will bolster the operational independence of the Indian Army. Once officially inducted, the collaboration of the Light Tank and Nag Mk II is set to become foundational to India’s future armored warfare strategies, enhancing the country’s readiness to respond swiftly to any potential cross-border threats or armored incursions.
The successful test paves the way for the platform’s eventual incorporation into military service, marking another significant chapter in India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in modern defense technologies.
