DRDO carries out 3 tests of Nag Missile in one day in Pokhran

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out 3 successful test firings of Nag missiles during both day and night in Pokhran firing ranges. With this successful trial of Nag anti-tank guided missiles is in final stages of being inducted into Army.

Background

In 2018 Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved procurement of NAG Missile System (NAMIS) at the cost of Rs.524 crore. NAMIS is designed and developed by DRDO. It includes a 3rd generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile, the NAG, along with Missile Carrier Vehicle (NAMICA).

About NAG Missile

It is a 3rd generation anti-tank guided missile, which has top attack capabilities that can effectively engage and destroy all known enemy tanks during day and also in night. Integrated Missile Guided Development Programme: Nag was one of 1st 5 strategic missiles planned to be developed under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IMGDP) initiated in 1980s. Other missiles developed under IMGDP project include Agni, Prithvi, Trishul and Akash. Except Trishul all three of them have been successfully developed and inducted into Indian armed forces as Trishul project was shut down after being developed as technology demonstrator.

Significance: successful induction of NAG missile into Army is expected to give a quantum boost to Army’s capability against enemy armour. Indian Army will use it by mounting them on modified armoured vehicles.

Way Ahead: Indian Army and DRDO are supposed to carry out more tests of missiles also to further validate the missile’s capabilities.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019