3rd-gen Nag anti-tank missile completes successful user trials

The indigenous, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed, third generation anti-tank Nag missile is set for early induction into the Indian Army's inventory following successful final user trials in the deserts of Rajasthan.

The land version of the all-weather, fire-and-forget missile has already undergone successful winter trials in December, and the summer trials began last week. Four flight tests were completed by Thursday and another three were scheduled for Friday night.

Talking to reporters on Friday, Dr VK Saraswat, chief controller, R&D (missiles and strategic systems), DRDO, described the Nag as a modern and "very potent weapon system with high reliability in performance and damage."

With the potent system proving its capability in the latest round of trials, Dr Saraswat hoped its production and induction would begin by year-end.

Scientists revealed that the hit-to-kill missile has a unique trajectory which resembles the movement of a cobra. In the course of the trials the missile smashed stationary targets (derelict tanks) in the course of the first four test firings.

While two targets were stationed at medium range, one each was placed at shorter and longer ranges. Using an Imaging Infra-red (IIR) seeker, the missile acquired targets and caused extensive damage to them.