SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is confronting a critical shortfall in its anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) capabilities, a deficiency that threatens the operational readiness of its infantry and mechanized infantry battalions. According to a report by The Print, the Army’s existing inventory of second-generation ATGMs—already considered outdated—falls drastically short of requirements, with a 50 percent deficit in launchers and an alarming 85 percent shortfall in missiles. Sources cited in the report noted that a few years ago, the Army faced a gap of 68,000 missiles and 850 launchers, a number that has since increased as the lifecycle of the current stock nears completion.
This shortage has significant implications for India’s defense preparedness, particularly in the context of its volatile borders with Pakistan and China, where armored threats remain a persistent concern. “Such deficiencies have direct operational implications for the infantry and mechanized infantry battalions operating these systems,” a source told The Print, underscoring the urgency of addressing the gap.
Recognizing the limitations of its aging arsenal, the Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) in October 2024 to procure new-generation ATGMs, along with launcher systems and simulators. The RFI outlines a versatile set of operational requirements, specifying that the new systems must be capable of neutralizing a range of targets—including enemy tanks, armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, low-flying helicopters, concrete structures, and vehicle-based weapon platforms. These ATGMs are intended for deployment across diverse terrains, from the plains and deserts to the high-altitude mountainous regions along India’s northern borders.
The Army’s current mainstay ATGMs include the French-origin Milan-2T, with a range of 2 kilometers, and the Soviet-designed Konkurs, a semi-automatic wire-guided missile with a 4-kilometer range. Both systems, though produced domestically by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), belong to the second generation of ATGMs, lacking the advanced features of modern third- or fourth-generation systems, such as fire-and-forget capabilities or enhanced penetration against reactive armor.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been working to bridge the gap with indigenous solutions. The Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) and the Nag missile are currently undergoing trials, offering hope for self-reliance in the long term. However, their induction into service remains pending, leaving the Army reliant on its dwindling stock of older systems.
The Army’s attempts to modernize its ATGM inventory have faced setbacks in the past. In 2014, following extensive trials, the Israeli Spike ATGM was shortlisted over the American Javelin system. The Spike, known for its fire-and-forget technology and versatility, appeared poised to address the Army’s needs. However, the deal fell through due to cost concerns and bureaucratic hurdles, leading India to procure only a limited number of Spike systems in multiple small batches rather than a full-scale acquisition.
The ATGM shortfall is particularly worrisome given the evolving nature of modern warfare, where armored vehicles and helicopters play a pivotal role. Infantry and mechanized units equipped with inadequate or insufficient anti-tank weaponry are at a disadvantage against adversaries with superior firepower. This vulnerability is magnified in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, where tensions with China have underscored the need for robust defensive and offensive capabilities.
The Army’s reliance on second-generation systems like the Milan-2T and Konkurs—designed decades ago—further compounds the problem. These missiles lack the precision, range, and adaptability of newer systems, limiting their effectiveness against advanced enemy armor. With approximately 50 percent of required launchers and 85 percent of missiles missing from the inventory, entire battalions may be operating below optimal strength, potentially compromising their ability to respond to threats.
The October 2024 RFI signals a renewed commitment to modernizing the Army’s ATGM capabilities, but the procurement process is likely to be complex and time-consuming. Balancing the need for cutting-edge technology with the push for indigenous production under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative will be a key challenge. While the DRDO’s MPATGM and Nag systems hold promise, their delayed timelines mean the Army may need to explore interim foreign acquisitions to plug the gap.
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