India Successfully Tests Nag Mk 2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile: Strengthening Defence Capabilities
A Major Milestone for Indigenous Defence Technology
India has achieved another significant milestone in its defence capabilities with the successful field evaluation trials of the Nag Mark 2 anti-tank guided missile. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this third-generation ‘fire-and-forget’ guided missile is a testament to India’s progress in indigenous military technology and its commitment to achieving self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Successful Trials at Pokhran
The trials were conducted at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan on January 13, 2025, where the missile demonstrated exceptional precision and reliability. It successfully destroyed all designated targets at both maximum and minimum range limits, validating its firing capabilities and operational readiness.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence:
“Field evaluation trials of the indigenously developed Nag Mk 2, the third-generation anti-tank fire-and-forget guided missile, were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran Field Range in the presence of senior officers of the Indian Army.”
The trials also included the evaluation of the Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) Version 2, marking a critical step in operationalizing the complete weapon system. With this success, the system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.
Advanced Features of Nag Mk 2
The Nag Mk 2 missile is a state-of-the-art weapon system equipped with several advanced features that enhance its operational effectiveness:
Fire-and-Forget Technology:
- Allows operators to lock onto targets before launch, ensuring precision strikes without the need for further guidance.
Neutralizing Modern Armour:
- Designed to penetrate explosive reactive armour (ERA), making it highly effective against advanced armoured vehicles.
Integration with NAMICA:
- Mounted on the Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) Version 2, a tracked amphibious vehicle, the system offers enhanced mobility and deployment flexibility in battlefield scenarios.
All-Weather and Day-Night Capability:
- Equipped with cutting-edge thermal imaging technology, enabling accurate targeting in diverse weather conditions and low-light environments.
Range and Precision:
- Capable of engaging targets at distances of 4-7 km with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring high success rates in real combat situations.
Statements from Leaders and Experts
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, Indian Army, and all stakeholders for their efforts in achieving this milestone. He stated:
“The successful trials of the Nag Mk 2 reaffirm India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.”
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, also lauded the teams involved, saying:
“This achievement underscores the synergy between DRDO, the Indian Army, and the defence industry in advancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.”
Broader Defence Achievements
The success of the Nag Mk 2 trials is part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defence arsenal and reduce dependence on imports. This follows another significant achievement in 2024, when India successfully launched the Agni 4 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile on September 6 from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launch, conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile, further bolstering India’s strategic deterrence.
Strengthening Defence Self-Reliance
The Nag Mk 2 and NAMICA system’s successful trials highlight India’s growing capabilities in designing, developing, and deploying advanced military systems. This achievement aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at fostering indigenous R&D and manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies like fire-and-forget guidance systems and advanced thermal imaging, the Nag Mk 2 addresses critical operational needs in anti-tank warfare and significantly enhances the Indian Army’s ability to counter modern armoured threats.
Looking Ahead: Revolutionizing Anti-Tank Warfare
The induction of the Nag Mk 2 system into the Indian Army is expected to revolutionize India’s anti-tank warfare capabilities, especially in border areas where armoured threats are prominent. The weapon system’s readiness also reflects India’s broader strategy of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing while enhancing the operational readiness of its armed forces.
With this success, India not only secures its borders with advanced indigenous technology but also positions itself as a key player in the global defence industry. The Nag Mk 2’s performance underscores the potential for export to friendly nations, further cementing India’s role as a reliable defence partner on the international stage.
