- The Nag missile is an outstanding illustration of India’s increasing defence technology and independence from outside sources.
- The missile’s fire-and-forget guidance system, with the use of radar, the fire-and-forget guidance system technology enables the missile to track and lock onto the target on its own.
- With their potent twin HEAT warheads and sophisticated guidance systems, these missiles give the Army a stronger defence against contemporary armoured threats.
The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created the third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), known as the Nag. Whether or not explosive reactive armour (ERA) is installed, its goal is to neutralise contemporary armoured vehicles. The 1990s saw the start of the project. The initiative aimed to reduce the usage of foreign military equipment while bolstering India’s defences. Notwithstanding technological difficulties and cost overruns, the initiative has produced a highly successful domestic solution, for which ₹3,500 crore, or $500 million, has been spent on research, development, and manufacture.
Bharat Dynamics Limited has a Memorandum of Understanding with DRDO to build the Nag missile. India’s defence policy has relied heavily on this missile, particularly in the area of armoured warfare. Its fire-and-forget guidance and tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank warhead can pierce armour up to 900 mm thick. Because it can strike modern tanks with its explosive reactive armour and other cutting-edge defence systems, this gives the missile increased efficacy.
The System’s Strategic Importance in Indigenous Development
The Nag missile is an outstanding illustration of India’s increasing defence technology and independence from outside sources. By successfully creating this missile domestically, India has been able to increase its control over its military capabilities and improve national security while lowering its reliance on foreign arms suppliers. India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy is greatly aided by sophisticated missile technology and its domestic manufacturing, which enable the nation to fight against changing threats and secure its borders independently of outside systems or imports.
The Technology of Fire-and-Forget
The missile’s fire-and-forget guidance system is one of its most important components. With the use of radar or infrared seekers, the fire-and-forget guidance system technology enables the missile to track and lock onto the target on its own, allowing the operator to launch the missile and perform other tasks. It works incredibly well in fast-paced combat situations where the missile cannot be continuously guided. This technology is crucial for modern warfare because it guarantees that the missile can deploy swiftly and effectively without constant human interaction.
Missile Range and Platforms
There are several variations of the Nag missiles, each designed for a certain battle situation. The Standoff Anti-Tank Guided Missile (SANT) variant can hit targets up to 15-20 kilometres away, while the standard version can reach 500 meters to 4 kilometres. The missile’s adaptability and integration with India’s defence architecture are further enhanced by the fact that it can be launched from a variety of platforms, including the NAMICA, HAL Rudra, HAL Prachand, and Mi-24 helicopters.
Nag Missile’s Autonomy and Guidance
Modern Imaging Infrared (IIR) seekers are integrated into the missile, which can keep a lock on targets even when conditions like fog or haze make it difficult. For very accurate impact during highly dynamic combat operations, the onboard guidance system continuously modifies its trajectory to keep the track locked throughout. The tandem HEAT warhead is designed to engage an ERA with a first charge, after which it charges to breach the target’s primary armour. The efficiency of the missile against a contemporary armoured target is quite high since, while in top-attack mode, it hits via the armoured vehicle’s weakest areas.
Variants of the Nag Missile
Various Nag missile variants meet different operational requirements.
- Nag/ProspiNa: The NAMICA platform debuted the base version, which can engage moving and stationary targets at distances of more than three kilometres.
- Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM): This infantry-use variant is lightweight and portable, making it simple to deploy rapidly in any combat situation.
- HELINA/Dhruvastra: This variant is launched from a helicopter and has a maximum range of seven kilometres. It is expected to be introduced by 2021 after undergoing satisfactory testing.
- SANT (Stand-off Anti-Tank Guided Missile): A four-generation HELINA replacement with a range of 15 to 20 km. Its precision is increased by the addition of millimetre-wave active radar homing seekers and sophisticated electro-optical thermal imagers.
Nag ATGM’s induction into the Indian military
About 300 Nag ATGMs have been incorporated into the Indian Army as of January 2025. With their potent twin HEAT warheads and sophisticated guidance systems, these missiles give the Army a stronger defence against contemporary armoured threats. India’s defence forces have benefited strategically from the introduction of the Nag missile, which has drastically decreased the nation’s dependency on foreign armament sources.
To bolster India’s anti-tank warfare capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council also approved the purchase of a third batch of 300 more Nag missiles and 25 NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) platforms in April 2018. Lastly, the Indian Army is moving closer to incorporating this cutting-edge variation into its arsenal after the Nag Mk 2 missile variant’s successful trials in November 2024 further confirmed the missile’s capabilities.
Recent Developments
In January 2025, the Pokhran Field Range concluded the Nag Mk 2 missile’s Field Evaluation Trials. With remarkable accuracy, the missile destroyed every target under various situations. The missile’s readiness for induction into the Indian Army is confirmed by the successful completion of these tests and the launch from the Nag Missile Carrier version 2.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commended DRDO and the Indian Army for their endeavour following the testing. Thus, the Nag Mk 2 missile marks a significant milestone in India’s transition to self-reliance in defence technologies.
Conclusion
The Nag is one of those guided systems-powered missiles with a sophisticated warhead. From infantry operations to helicopter-launched and standoff capabilities, its many variants address various combat needs. India is poised to further improve its defence capabilities and ensure readiness in contemporary battle situations following the successful trials of the Nag Mk 2. The Nag missile, a completely indigenous system, strengthens strategic autonomy in a world security environment that is becoming more complicated while also enhancing India’s military efficiency and demonstrating the country’s expanding defence technological independence.
References:
- https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-research-development-laboratory-drdl
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2092585®=3&lang=1\
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nag_(missile)
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Apr/14/man-portable-anti-tank-guided-missile-now-ready-for-final-user-trials
- https://www.army-technology.com/projects/helina-atgm-india
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1699376
- https://swarajyamag.com/insta/india-successfully-test-fires-stand-off-anti-tank-missile-11th-missile-test-in-past-forty-five-days
- https://thedefensepost.com/2022/01/16/india-mpatgm-missile/
Piyush Anand is a Biotechnology Engineering student at Chandigarh University. His primary interest lies in International Affairs, Defence and Strategy. Views expressed at the author’s own.
Shrivara Mahajan 
SamvadaWorld Staff