Nag (missile): Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}

| used_by            = [[Indian Army]]<br>[[Indian Air Force]]

| engine            = [[Solid-propellant rocket]] [[Booster (rocketry)|booster]] and [[Sustainer engine|sustainer motor]]<ref name="army-technology">{{cite web|url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/nag-anti-tank-guided-missile/|title=Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile|author=Army Technology|date=12 September 2019|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

| vehicle_range      = • Nag (Prospine): 500m–4km <br />• HELINA/Dhruvastra: 7–10km<ref name="ix182">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/army-opts-for-nag-missile-as-it-enters-final-trials/387858/|title=Army opts for Nag missile as it enters final trials|author=Ajai Shukla|date=8 March 2010|access-date=6 February 2015|newspaper=Business Standard India}}</ref> <br />• SANT: 15–20km<ref name="toi">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/upgraded-sant-missile-successfully-flight-tested/articleshow/66872743.cms|title=Upgraded SANT missile successfully flight tested|author=TNN|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=30 November 2018|access-date=14 September 2019}}</ref>

| filling            = [[Tandem-charge]] [[High-explosive anti-tank warhead|HEAT]] (Penetration >900 mm in [[explosive reactive armour|ERA]] + [[rolled homogeneous armor|RHA]])<ref name="the diplomat">{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/india-successfully-test-fires-indigenous-anti-tank-guided-missile/|title=India Successfully Test Fires Indigenous Anti-Tank Guided Missile|author= Franz-Stefan Gady|date=9 July 2019|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

| filling_weight    = 8 kg

* [[Extremely high frequency|Millimeter wave]] [[active radar homing]] (SANT)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sawhney |first1=Pravin |title=Dr G. Satheesh Reddy (DoD R&D), Defence Research and Development Organisation |url=http://forceindia.net/interview/secretary-department-defence-rd-chairman-defence-research-development-organisation-dr-g-satheesh-reddy/ |access-date=20 October 2020 |publisher=Force}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mallikarjun |first1=Y. |title=DRDO scientists to develop advanced seekers for tactical missiles |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-scientists-to-develop-advanced-seekers-for-tactical-missiles/article2910934.ece#! |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref name="IBT">{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/drdo-successfully-tests-nag-8-facts-about-indias-deadly-anti-tank-missile-762351|title=DRDO successfully tests NAG: 8 facts about India's deadly anti-tank missile|author=Rohit KVN|website=[[International Business Times]]|date=1 March 2018|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

| launch_platform    = [[NAMICA]] <br />[[HAL Rudra]] <br />[[HAL Light Combat Helicopter]] [[Mil Mi-24]]

The '''Nag''' missile (<small>[[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration|IAST]]</small>: ''[[Nāga]]''; en: Cobra), also called "Prospina" for the land-attack version, is an Indian third-generation, all-weather, [[fire-and-forget]], [[lock-on after launch]], [[anti-tank guided missile]] (ATGM) with an operational range of 500{{nbsp}}m to 20{{nbsp}}km. It has a single-shot hit probability of 90%<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/drdo-successfully-tests-nag-8-facts-about-indias-deadly-anti-tank-missile-762351|title=DRDO successfully tests NAG: 8 facts about India's deadly anti-tank missile|last=KVN|first=Rohit|date=2018-03-01|website=International Business Times, India Edition|language=en|access-date=2019-09-14}}</ref> and a ten-year, maintenance-free shelf life.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aermech.in/indian-army-nag-vs-us-army-fgm-148-javelin-anti-tank-missile-comparisoncontroversy/|title=Indian Army Nag vs US Army FGM-148 Javelin {{!}}Anti Tank Missile Comparison{{!}}Controversy|date=2015-12-16|website=AerMech.IN|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref> The Nag has five variants under development: a land version, for a mast-mounted system; the helicopter-launched Nag (HELINA) also known as Dhruvastra; a "man-portable" version (MPATGM); an air-launched version which will replace the current [[Imaging infrared|imaging infra-red]] (IIR) to [[Millimetric wave|millimetric-wave]] (mmW) [[active radar homing]] seeker;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anti-tank-Nag-missile-Helinas-trial-conducted/articleshow/22955349.cms|title=Anti-tank Nag missile 'Helina's' trial conducted |date=September 24, 2013|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref> and the Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) "tank buster", which is a modified [[BMP-2]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]] (IFV) produced under license in India by [[Ordnance Factory Medak]] (OFMK).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Kalams-unrealised-Nag-missile-dream-to-become-reality-next-year/articleshow/48267342.cms|title=Kalam's unrealised 'Nag' missile dream to become reality next year|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=30 July 2015|date=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO's 'Nag' missile tests successful; ready for induction |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/drdos-nag-missile-tests-successful-ready-for-induction/596423 |work=Outlook |agency=Press Trust of India |date=6 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/drdo-successfully-tests-nag-8-facts-about-indias-deadly-anti-tank-missile-762351|title=DRDO successfully tests NAG: 8 facts about India's deadly anti-tank missile|last=KVN|first=Rohit|date=2018-03-01|website=International Business Times, India Edition|language=en|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>

Development of the Nag is part of the [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Program]] (IGMDP), run by [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO). It is manufactured by [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] (BDL).<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/03/indias-new-anti-tank-guided-missile-destroys-2-tanks-in-test/|title=India's New Anti-Tank Guided Missile Destroys 2 Tanks in Test|author=Franz-Stefan Gady|publisher=The Diplomat}}</ref> India's [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) announced on 19 July 2019 that the missile was ready for production.<ref name="Jans">{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/89985/india-s-nag-atgm-ready-for-series-production-says-mod|title=India's Nag ATGM ready for series production, says MoD {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2019-08-12}}</ref> The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully completed the final trial of Nag anti-tank missile using a live warhead on a dud tank at Pokhran army ranges at 6.45 am on Oct 21, 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Defence News, Indian Defence News, IDRW, Indian Armed Forces|first=The Indian Hawk|date=Oct 21, 2020|title=India's Anti-Tank Missile Nag Test-Fired In Pokhran, Ready For Ladakh Deployment|work=[[The Indian Hawk]]|url=https://www.theindianhawk.com/2020/10/nag-anti-tank-missile-ready-to-be-inducted-sant-missile-tested-fired-from-balasore.html|access-date=Oct 21, 2020}}</ref>

Development of the Nag missile began in 1988<ref name="Bha">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/atgm/na.html|title=Nag ATGM|date=February 28, 2009|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307114843/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/atgm/na.html|archive-date=7 March 2012}}</ref> under [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/dac-approves-purchase-naval-guns-worth-rs-3053-cr-667038.html|title=NAG missile for Army, long-range guns for Navy|date=27 April 2018}}</ref> The first tests were conducted in November 1990.<ref name="Bha" /> Development was delayed for several years because of issues with the IIR-based guidance system.<ref name="Bha" /> The Nag missile underwent successful tests in September 1997 and January 2000.<ref name="Bha" /> In 2000, MoD announced that the Nag was likely to enter full-scale production in early 2001.<ref name="Bha" />{{clarify|reason=What happened between 2001 and 2008?|date=April 2020}}

The Nag was successfully test-fired for two consecutive days in August 2008, from the [[Rocket range|test range]] at [[Pokhran]], [[Rajasthan]], marking the completion of developmental tests. The DRDO and the [[Indian Army]] planned to conduct user trials shortly thereafter.<ref name="nag news">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/07/stories/2008080754951400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080813202819/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/07/stories/2008080754951400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 August 2008|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Nag test-fired again|date=2008-08-07|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> These would be the final trials to decide whether the system would go into production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://frontierindia.net/nag-missile-to-be-tested-by-indian-army-in-july|title=Nag Missile to be tested by Indian Army in July|work=Frontier India|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> The NAMICA successfully completed amphibious trials in the [[Indira Gandhi Canal]] at Rajasthan on 8 August 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/08/stories/2008080856751400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815084936/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/08/stories/2008080856751400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 August 2008|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Namica amphibious trial successful|date=2008-08-08|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref>

During the user trials, the Nag missile was tested successfully by the Indian Army on 26 December 2008. The Nag missile zeroed in on the precise location of the target tank from a distance of {{convert|3.3|km|abbr=on}}, as required by the Indian Army. The Indian Army was also extremely satisfied with the performance of the warhead of the missile.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/26/stories/2008122655801200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628022756/http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/26/stories/2008122655801200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 June 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Archive News|date=2008-12-26|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> Another successful test was conducted on 28 December 2008. During that test, a moving target at {{convert|1.8|km|abbr=on}} was destroyed, along with a stationary target at a distance of {{convert|3.1|km|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/29/stories/2008122959211100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215202844/http://hindu.com/2008/12/29/stories/2008122959211100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 February 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Two flight tests of Nag missile successful|date=2008-12-29|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> A total of five missiles were fired during day and night against stationary and moving targets. Before the induction of the missile into service, summer trials were carried out in June 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/31/stories/2008123155171100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628022740/http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/31/stories/2008123155171100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 June 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Army may induct Nag missile soon|date=2008-12-31|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> In July 2009, the Nag ATGM was cleared for production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4177415|title=India Clears Anti-Tank Nag Missile for Production|access-date=6 February 2015}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On 20 January 2010 field tests of the Nag's thermal sight system, the system identified and locked on to a T-55 tank at a range of {{convert|5|km|abbr=on}}. The trials were conducted using an advanced-imaging infrared-seeker head, per the Army's requirements. Another tank was engaged and destroyed at a range of over 4&nbsp;km in a test of the missile's fire-and-forget capability, using the day version of the IIR passive seeker. In its IIR form, the Nag has limited all-weather capability. This limitation has provided added impetus to development of the mmW active seeker. Efforts were undertaken to provide special embedded on-board hunters that could hunt for targets using 'day seekers' and 'day-&-night seekers'. During trials in June 2010, the short-range capability of the missile to hit targets was validated. The Nag missile hit a target at a range of half a kilometer in just three seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article448188.ece|title=Nag hits target in three seconds after launch|author=Y. Mallikarjun|work=The Hindu|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> In the follow-on test, a moving target was hit within 3.2 seconds after launch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/14/stories/2010061455271200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510083049/http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/14/stories/2010061455271200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 May 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Archive News|date=2010-06-14|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> The final user trials were held during July 2010 and successfully completed. The missile was cleared for mass production. BDL planned to produce 100 Nag missiles annually to replace the existing [[Konkurs|Konkours]] and [[MILAN]] second-generation missiles in the arsenal.<ref name="News Archives: The Hindu">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/16/stories/2010071653531500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717101429/http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/16/stories/2010071653531500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Archive News|date=2010-07-16|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> The Nag was test-fired as part of user validation trials on 16 July 2010.<ref name="nag validation test">{{cite web|url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indias-Nag-missile-completes-final-validation-test/4473/1/10.html|title=India's Nag missile completes final validation test |work= Brahmand News}}</ref>

The Nag successfully completed its final validation trials{{clarify|reason=The word "final" is used multiple times in this section, followed by descriptions of more testing. Please clarify which of the tests were actually final, and remove the word "final" from the other descriptions.|date=April 2020}} and was expected to join the Indian Army's arsenal in 2011. Two missiles were launched simultaneously against a moving target, and another two missiles were launched against a stationary [[Vijayanta]] tank in quick succession, and all successfully hit the targets. The Indian Army was happy with the performance and expected to buy 443 missiles for {{INRConvert|335|c|lk=on|1}}.<ref name="News Archives: The Hindu" /> 450 Nag missiles, along with 13 NAMICA carriers, were expected to be added to the Army's arsenal by 2011 with the successful completion of final validation trials in Rajasthan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/16/stories/2010071653531500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717101429/http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/16/stories/2010071653531500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2010|title=Nag's final validation trials completed|date=16 July 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> In 2011, the project suffered a one-year delay due to the army's changing of its requirements for the NAMICA at the last moment.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/19/stories/2011041957821000.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420082425/http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/19/stories/2011041957821000.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=20 April 2011 | location= Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Nag induction likely to be delayed | date=19 April 2011}}</ref>[[File:Nag missile closeup.JPG|thumb|right|A closeup of the Nag missile warhead showing the Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker]]

Missile tests during the summer of 2011 in Rajasthan failed to achieve its objective of hitting the target at the intended 4-km range. The scientists found a fault in the heat-seeker: it was unable to distinguish between the heat signature of the target and its surroundings during high temperatures at long distances. This led to the development of a better seeker, with higher resolution and sensitivity, by [[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI), that could track and distinguish targets at long distances. The first trials of the new seeker were carried out on 29 July 2013 in hot desert conditions in [[Rajasthan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/seeker-evaluation-trials-for-nag-carried-out-in-rajasthan/article4970009.ece|title=Seeker evaluation trials for Nag carried out in Rajasthan|author=Y. Mallikarjun|work=The Hindu|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> The evaluation trials of the missile with the improved seeker were carried out in August and September 2013 and provided fairly accurate results. Performance trials were expected to begin in early 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-03/hyderabad/41032611_1_nag-g-satheesh-reddy-drdo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824104154/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-03/hyderabad/41032611_1_nag-g-satheesh-reddy-drdo|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-08-24|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Nag evaluation trials successful }}</ref>

Nag scored a "bull's eye", successfully hitting a target 4&nbsp;km away during a night trial in the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, in January 2016. During the test, the Thermal Target System (TTS) developed by a DRDO laboratory at Jodhpur was used as target for the missile. The TTS simulated a target similar to an operational tank by generating a thermal signature. The trial validated the enhanced 4-km range capability of the IIR seeker, which guides the missile to the target after its launch. The Nag cleared final developmental trials held by Indian Army in September 2016, making way once again for the weapon system to enter mass production.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nag-missile-hits-bull%E2%80%99s-eye-with-modified-seeker/article14000033.ece|title=Nag missile hits bull's eye with modified seeker|last=Mallikarjun|first=Y.|date=2016-01-15|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-13|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2016/12/bang-on-nag-hits-bulls-eye-in-final.html|title=BANG ON: NAG Hits Bull's Eye In Final Developmental Trials|access-date=2019-09-13}}</ref> [[File:Nag with NAMICA Defexpo-2008.JPG|Nag missile with NAMICA in the background|thumb|alt=]] The missile was tested successfully on 5 June 2017 at its maximum range of {{convert|4|km|abbr=on}} in hot-desert conditions in a daytime trial at the Chandan Field Firing Range near [[Jaisalmer]], Rajasthan, with a successful follow-up test taking place on 13 June 2017. DRDO shared that the trials which concluded were successful for the extreme-heat daytime conditions of the desert.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/jaipur/prospina-successfully-hits-4-km-target-during-trials/amp_articleshow/59132335.cms|title=Prospina successfully hits 4-km target during trials|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

On 8 September 2017, MoD announced that the DRDO had twice successfully flight-tested the missile against two different targets in two tests in the ranges of Rajasthan. The missile successfully hit both targets at different ranges and under different conditions with very high accuracy, as desired by the armed forces. With these two successful flight trials, and the flight test conducted earlier in peak of summer, the complete functionality of the Nag ATGM, along with the NAMICA launcher system, was established, marking the successful completion{{clarify|reason=Again, this seems like the fourth or fifth "successful completion" of testing. Please straighten this out.|date=April 2020}} of development trials of the Nag missile.<ref name="pib">{{Cite press release |title=Successful Flight Test of 3rd Generation Anti Tank Guided Missile – NAG  |date=9 September 2017 |publisher=Press Information Bureau  |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170637 |access-date=11 September 2017}}</ref> In 2017, however, the Army said that the developmental trials of Nag carried out earlier had only demonstrated partial success and that many more user trials would be needed.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/09/29/indian-army-wants-more-tests-before-ordering-homemade-anti-tank-missile/|title=Indian Army wants more tests before ordering homemade anti-tank missile|last=Raghuvanshi|first=Vivek|date=29 September 2017}}</ref> In 2017, the DRDO claimed that the Nag missile would be ready within four years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/dac-clears-acquisition-proposals-worth-over-rs-3600-crore/articleshow/63942467.cms|title=DAC approves procurement of Nag missile system, 13 guns|first=Shaurya Karanbir|last=Gurung|date=27 April 2018|via=The Economic Times}}</ref>

The missile was again declared ready for induction on 28 February 2018, after a test in which two tanks destroyed in desert conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=165605|title=Successful Flight Test of ATGM Nag|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=2018-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/03/indias-new-anti-tank-guided-missile-destroys-2-tanks-in-test/|title=India's New Anti-Tank Guided Missile Destroys 2 Tanks in Test|last=Gady|first=Franz-Stefan |work=The Diplomat|access-date=2018-03-02|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/anti-tank-missile-nag-successfully-tested-induction-ready-now/articleshow/63116313.cms|title=Anti-tank missile Nag successfully tested, induction-ready now|date=2018-02-28|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-03-02}}</ref> In 2018, the single-shot hit probability was 77% (later improved to 90%).{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} In 2018, the DRDO chief claimed that the Nag system would be inducted into the Indian Army by 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defenceaviationpost.com/army-to-get-nag-anti-tank-guided-missiles-in-2019-says-drdo-chief/|title=Army To Get Nag Anti Tank Guided Missiles In 2019, Says DRDO Chief|date=14 April 2018}}</ref> On 7 July 2019, the DRDO carried out three successful trials of the Nag missile in the Pokhran firing range. The missiles were tested during both day and night. The missile was reportedly in the final stages of being inducted.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drdo-carries-out-three-successful-nag-missile-tests-in-one-day-in-pokhran/articleshow/70123285.cms|title=DRDO carries out three successful Nag missile tests in one day in Pokhran|date=2019-07-08|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref> The Nag missile was successfully tested 12 times between 7 and 18 July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nag-missile-successfully-test-fired-12-times-in-11-day-period-at-pokhran-rajasthan-2072425|title=Nag Missile Successfully Test-Fired 12 Times In 11-Day Period At Pokhran|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-07-21}}</ref> It was tested under extreme weather conditions during day and night, in indirect attack mode as well as in top attack mode, and achieved a direct hit on each target. These trials completed the summer user trials and the missile was expected to proceed towards induction into the Indian Army.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-trials-third-generation-nag-missiles-1571425-2019-07-19|title=Indian Army successfully carries out trials of third generation NAG missiles|date=19 July 2019|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-07-21}}</ref> The missile was expected to enter production by the end of 2019, according to a senior DRDO official.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/02/indias-new-anti-tank-guided-missile-to-enter-production-by-end-of-2019/|title=India's New Anti-Tank Guided Missile to Enter Production By End of 2019|last=Gady|first=Franz-Stefan|date=February 25, 2019|website=The Diplomat|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-15}}</ref>

The [[BMP-2#India|NAMICA]] (Nag Missile Carrier) is a stretched, license-built BMP-2 with additional wheels, nicknamed "Sarath" in India.<ref name="Bha" /> It is classified as a [[Tank destroyer#Modern tank destroyers|tank destroyer]]. It is equipped with various electro-optical systems including a [[thermal imager]] (TI) and a [[laser rangefinder]] (LRF) for target acquisition. The NAMICA carries a total of twelve missiles, with eight in ready-to-fire mode and four in storage.<ref name="Bha" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080651801400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809041234/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080651801400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 August 2008|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Nag missile testfired|date=2008-08-06|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> It has a compact [[auxiliary power unit]] (APU) for silent watch operation, a [[Fire detection system|fire detection]] and [[Fire suppression system|suppression system]] (FDSS) and [[Nuclear and radiation accidents and incidents|nuclear]], [[Biological warfare|biological]], and [[Chemical warfare|chemical]] protection system (NBCPS). The carrier weights 14.5 tonnes in full combat load and is capable of moving 7&nbsp;km/h in water. The carrier was put through transportation trials, covering 155&nbsp;km during 2008 summer trials.<ref name=":2" /> It has various modes of firing, including top attack and indirect attack mode.<ref name=":1" /> It has a lock-on-before-launch system, where the target is identified and designated before the launch. The range of attack is limited due to its targeting system being based on visual identification.

NAMICA can fire missiles at a target located around 7.5 kilometres with [[hunter-killer sight]] capability and carries 4 military personnel. The total project cost of NAMICA is ₹3000 crore and is developed by [[Defence Research and Development Laboratory]] (DRDL) and [[Ordnance Factory Board]] (OFB). Ministry of Defence (MoD) cleared NAMICA for production as of 14 August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Joshi|first=Manas|date=2020-08-18|title=NAG Missile Carrier NAMICA boosts Indian Army's firepower|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/nag-missile-carrier-namica-india-army-firepower-643061|access-date=2020-08-22|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff Writer|date=2020-08-14|title=Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launches 15 products developed by Defence PSUs|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-launches-15-products-developed-by-defence-psus-11597385301173.html|access-date=2020-08-22|website=Livemint|language=en}}</ref>

It is developed for engaging heavily armored tanks in all-weather conditions during day and night with a minimum range of 500{{nbsp}}m and a maximum range of 4{{nbsp}}km for the land variant. The third-generation fire-and-forget-class ATGM uses an [[imaging infrared]] (IIR) seeker that locks on to the target before launch.<ref name=":1" /> The airframe is made up of composite materials with high resistance to enemy countermeasures. The forward dome houses the guidance system. The middle portion of the body accommodates sensor packages and the warhead. A booster rocket is located towards the rear end. The Nag consists of four foldable wings and four tail fins that stabilize it during flight. A real-time image processor located next to the guidance package helps enable automatic target detection and tracking capability. The digital autopilot helps in the guidance, stability, and control after launch.

The Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) is an Indian-made third-generation anti-tank guided missile derived from the Nag missile.Recently Drdo confirmed its production to start in 2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/86778/aero-india-2019-drdo-details-short-range-mpatgm|title=Aero India 2019: DRDO details short-range MPATGM {{!}} Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref>

'''HELINA''' (Helicopter-launched Nag) is air-launched version of the Nag with extended range. It is launched from twin-tube stub wing-mounted launchers on board [[HAL Rudra]] helicopters and [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter]]s (LCH) manufactured by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forceindia.net/cover-story/armour-piercer/|title=The DRDO has to develop a MPATGM for the Indian Army|website=Force|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-14}}</ref> It is structurally different from Nag and is guided by an infrared imaging seeker (IIR) operating in the lock-on-before-launch mode for target engagement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/helicopter-launched-anti-tank-missile-helina-test-fired/articleshow/67900023.cms|title=Helicopter-launched anti-tank missile 'Helina' test-fired|date=2019-02-08|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref> The first ground launch of the missile to check [[lock-on after launch]] (LOAL) capability were conducted in 2011 during which the missile was locked onto a target and launched. While the missile was in flight, a second target was chosen for the missile to hit, which the missile destroyed. This demonstrated the capability of the missile to lock onto and hit a target while in mid-flight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anti-tank-Nag-missile-Helinas-trial-conducted/articleshow/22955349.cms|title=Anti-tank Nag missile 'Helina's' trial conducted |date=September 24, 2013|first=Vimal |last=Bhatia |website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref> In the ground-launched LOAL test, the missile was launched in the general direction of the target. On approaching the target, images of the area ahead were sent from the missile to the operator via a two-way, radio frequency, command-video data link. The operator identified the target in the images and updated the new target location into the seeker, after which the missile homed in on the target and destroyed it.<ref name="ix182" /> It supports both [[top attack]] and [[Direct Attack Guided Rocket|direct attack]] functionality.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-20|title=Anti-Tank Guided Missile Helina will soon add to the Indian defence arsenal|url=https://newsonair.com/2021/09/20/anti-tank-guided-missile-helina-will-soon-add-to-the-indian-defence-arsenal/|access-date=2021-09-20|website=NewsOnAIR -|language=en-US}}</ref>

On 13 July 2015, three trials of HELINA were conducted by HAL at the Chandhan firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The missiles were test-fired from a [[HAL Rudra]]; two missiles succeeded in hitting the targets at a range of 7&nbsp;km, while one reportedly missed the target.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?shop=dae&modele=release&prod=165254&cat=3|title=3 Helinas Test-Fired, 2 Hit Target|website=www.defense-aerospace.com}}</ref> After successful image capturing trials in Bangalore, DRDO planned to test HELINA with an updated 640x512-pixel resolution IIR seeker instead of the original 128x128-pixel resolution seeker in September 2016 for the [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Army Aviation Corps]] under hot desert conditions, with moving and static targets, for different range parameters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/HeliNa-set-for-september-showdown/articleshow/52942240.cms|title=HeliNa set for September showdown |date=Jun 27, 2016|first=Jatinder Kaur|last= Tur |website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-14}}</ref>

On 19 August 2018, HELINA was successfully test-fired from a [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter|HAL LCH]] at the Pokhran test range.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/indigenous-anti-tank-guided-missile-system-helina-successfully-flight-tested/articleshow/65507706.cms|title=Indigenous anti-tank guided missile system HELINA successfully flight tested |date=Aug 23, 2018|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref> DRDO and the Indian Army tested HELINA with a range of 7–8{{nbsp}}km from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in [[Chandipur, Odisha]], on 8 February 2019 to check the maximum missile range and accuracy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/helicopter-launched-anti-tank-missile-helina-test-fired-2029867.html|title=Helicopter-Launched Anti-Tank Missile 'Helina' Test-Fired|website=News18|access-date=2019-09-14}}</ref> The HELINA user trial was expected to be completed by 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2020/02/14/youngsters-india-defence-technology-satheessh-reddy.html|title=INTERVIEW {{!}} Youngsters can power India into a defence technology leader: Dr Satheesh Reddy|website=OnManorama|language=en|access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref> The Indian armed forces successfully test fired the helicopter-launched Nag Missile (HELINA), now named '''Dhruvastra''' anti-tank guided missile in direct and top attack mode that is upgraded with new features.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Waje |first1=Hemant |title=India test fires anti-tank guided missile 'Dhruvastra' |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/see-india-test-fires-anti-tank-missile-dhruvastra/20200722.htm |access-date=1 October 2020 |agency=PTI |publisher=Rediff |date=23 July 2020}}</ref> Three developmental flight trials were conducted from 15 to 16 July (2020) at ITR [[Balasore]] (Odisha) from a ground based launcher.<ref>{{cite news| title = India successfully test fires Dhruvastra — Helicopter launched anti-tank missile|work =India TV | access-date = 2020-07-22 |  url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/india-succesfully-test-fires-dhruvastra-helicopter-launched-anti-tank-missile-video-636125}}</ref>

HELINA has a range of 7kms which will put the enemy tank commanders in a curved terrain at severe disadvantages. The missile weighs only 43 kgs which will not cause any burden in limiting conditions of the rarefied atmosphere over Ladakh. In terms of firepower, HELINA can penetrate armour as thick as 800mm which is much more than anything that the light and medium weight tanks operated in the frontier. Even heavier tanks use armour plating that is approx. 800mm thick

On 19 October 2020, SANT was again test fired by the DRDO at Chandipur test range. It is developed for the Indian Air Force and Army Aviation Corps with [[Lock-on after launch]] and Lock-on before launch capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/india-successfully-test-fires-sant-missile-with-lock-on-after-launch-lock-on-before-launch-capabilities/669661|title=India successfully test-fires SANT missile with 'Lock-on After Launch' & 'Lock-on Before Launch' capabilities|work=Times now digital}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orissapost.com/india-successfully-tests-anti-tank-missile-sant-from-chandipur-test-range/|title=India successfully tests anti-tank missile 'SANT' from Chandipur test range|work=Orissa Post}}</ref>

[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2020s]]