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Nag Mk-2 Anti-Tank Missile
Context
India has successfully test-fired its Nag Mk-2, an indigenously developed third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), at Pokhran in Rajasthan.
What is the Nag Mk-2 Missile?
- The Nag Mk-2 is a fire-and-forget missile, meaning once it is launched, it requires minimal intervention from the operator. The missile locks onto its target after launch and destroys it.
- It is capable of destroying modern armoured vehicles, including those with advanced Explosive Reactive Armour.
- The missile has a range of 7-10 kilometers, a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Nag Mk-1, which had a range of only 4 kilometers.
- It uses a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead for greater destructive power and can attack from the top, where armoured vehicles are most vulnerable.
- The missile is launched from a vehicle called NAMICA, which is based on the Indian BMP-2 Sarath, a tracked armoured vehicle.
Significance of the Test:
- The successful trials mean that the Nag Mk-2 is now ready for use by the Indian Army, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in defence technology (Atma-Nirbhar Bharat).
- Until now, India had to buy anti-tank missiles from countries like Israel. For example, in 2020, India purchased around 200 Spike missiles from Israel to counter the Chinese threat during the Ladakh border standoff.
- The Nag Mk-2 strengthens India's missile capabilities and provides an important deterrent against Pakistan and China:
- Pakistan uses the Barq laser-guided missile, which lacks the fire-and-forget capability of the Nag Mk-2.
- China uses the HJ-10 missile, which has a similar range but relies on wire-guidance, making it vulnerable to countermeasures, unlike the Nag Mk-2.
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