Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs)

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Context:

• Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army conducted a training exercise, involving the firing of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) at a super high-altitude area of 17000 feet in Sikkim.

Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs)

• ATGMs are precision weapons designed to destroy heavily armored targets, particularly tanks and armored vehicles.

Guidance Systems:

• These missiles are guided by various systems, including wire-guided, laser-guided, infrared-homing, or radar-guided technology. This guidance allows for precise targeting of enemy armored vehicles.

Warhead:

• ATGMs are equipped with specialized warheads designed to penetrate armored surfaces. They may use shaped charges, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads, or tandem warheads for defeating reactive armor.

Range:

• ATGMs have varying ranges depending on the type and model. They can range from short-range systems designed for close combat to long-range missiles capable of engaging targets several kilometers away.

Mobility:

• ATGMs are deployed on various platforms, including infantry units, vehicles, helicopters, and even unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This versatility allows for flexible deployment and engagement of enemy armor from different operational environments.

Countermeasures:

• Modern ATGMs may incorporate counter-countermeasures to evade enemy defenses, such as decoys, smoke screens, or electronic warfare systems to disrupt enemy targeting.

Operational Use:

• ATGMs are employed in both offensive and defensive operations. They provide infantry units and armored formations with a potent capability to engage and neutralize enemy armor threats, as well as fortified positions.

Development and Proliferation:

• ATGMs are developed by various countries and defense contractors worldwide, with major producers including the United States, Russia, China, and European nations. They are widely proliferated and used by military forces across the globe.

Effectiveness:

• ATGMs have proven to be highly effective weapons against armored targets, capable of inflicting significant damage and disrupting enemy maneuvers on the battlefield.

Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) developed or in service with India, along with their features:

• Nag Missile: The NAG missile has been developed to strike and neutralize highly-fortified enemy tanks. It also has night strike capabilities.
  • Features:
    • • Fire-and-forget capability: Once launched, the missile autonomously guides itself to the target.
      • Imaging infrared seeker: Allows the missile to track and engage targets in day and night conditions.
      • Top-attack capability: Utilizes a steep angle of attack to strike the thinner top armor of armored vehicles, defeating explosive reactive armor (ERA).
      • Range: Up to 4 km.
      • Platforms: Deployed on both land-based launchers and airborne platforms such as helicopters.

• HELINA (Helicopter Launched Nag): DRDO is currently in the final stages of the development of the helicopter-launched version of Nag ATGM, called the Helina, which underwent successful tests in 2018.
  • Features:
    • • A variant of the Nag missile specifically designed for launch from helicopters.
      • Inherits the same fire-and-forget capability, imaging infrared seeker, and top-attack capability as the land-based Nag missile.
      • Suited for use on attack helicopters such as the HAL Rudra.
      • Provides helicopters with a standoff capability against armored targets.
• Spike ATGM (Imported and License Produced): Spike is an Israeli fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank warhead. As of 2007, it is in its fourth generation. It was developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
  • Features:
    • • Fire-and-forget or fire-and-steer capability: This can be launched and guided autonomously or manually steered by the operator.
      • Imaging infrared seeker: Provides high-precision guidance for day and night engagements.
      • Tandem warhead: Utilizes two warheads, with the second one triggered after penetrating armor, increasing armor penetration capability.
      • Range: Varies depending on the variant (Spike-MR: 2.5 km, Spike-LR: 4 km).
      • Imported initially, later licensed and produced in India as part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
• Amogha-1 ATGM: Amogha-1, is a second-generation, Anti-Tank Guided Missile that has pinpoint accuracy for a range of up to 2.8 km. It is under development by Bharat Dynamics at Hyderabad.
  • Features:
    • • Semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance system: Requires the operator to track the target manually until impact.
      • Tandem warhead: Designed to defeat armored vehicles equipped with explosive reactive armor.
      • Range: Up to 2.8 km.
      • Intended for use by infantry units and light combat vehicles.
• MPATGM (Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile): The MPATGM or man-portable anti-tank guided missile, is an Indian third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile derived from India's Nag ATGM.
  • Features:
    • • Under development by DRDO.
      • Portable by infantry soldiers, providing them with a potent anti-tank capability.
      • Fire-and-forget capability: Allows the missile to be launched and guided autonomously.
      • Expected range: Up to 2.5 km.
      • Intended to replace older man-portable ATGMs in service with the Indian Armed Forces, providing enhanced performance and lethality.

Source:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/russia-launches-first-angara-a5-space-rocket-at-third-attempt-5419169

PRACTICE QUESTION Match the following types of anti-tank guided missiles with their respective features: Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Nag Missile Spike ATGM Amogha-1 ATGM MPATGM (Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile) Features A. Fire-and-forget capability, imaging infrared seeker, top-attack capability, range up to 4 km, deployed on both land and airborne platforms. B. Fire-and-forget or fire-and-steer capability, imaging infrared seeker, tandem warhead, range varies depending on the variant (Spike-MR: 2.5 km, Spike-LR: 4 km). C. Semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance system, tandem warhead, range up to 2.8 km, intended for use by infantry units and light combat vehicles. D. Fire-and-forget capability, portable by infantry soldiers, ranges up to 2.5 km, intended to replace older man-portable ATGMs in service with the Indian Armed Forces. Options: A. 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D B. 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A C. 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B D. 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C Correct Answer: B. 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A