Nag MK 2 Missile

Why in News? 

Nag MK 2 Missile: Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted field evaluation trials of the indigenous anti-tank guided missile, “Nag MK 2”, at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan.

Introduction of Nag MK 2 Missile

Nag MK 2 Missile is a third-generation Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). It is an upgraded version of the earlier land-based Nag missile. 

• This missile is a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program led by DRDO. 
• This advanced model incorporates a jet-vane control system inherited from the Helina version, enhancing its mobility and maneuverability. 
• The missile boasts a greater range compared to its predecessor.
• It is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
• In the recent trials, the Nag MK 2 was successfully tested three times at both the maximum and minimum ranges, effectively destroying all designated targets. 
• This success showcases its accuracy and precision.

Features of Nag MK 2 Missile 

• Range and Accuracy: The Nag MK 2 has a remarkable estimated range between 7 to 10 kilometers, with the ability to engage targets at both short (500 meters) and long distances (4 km). 
  • The missile strikes its target at a speed of 230 meters per second. It can eliminate an enemy positioned 4 kilometers away within just 17 to 18 seconds.
• The Nag MK 1, which had a range of only 4 kilometers, the MK 2 offers greater flexibility and effectiveness in combat scenarios.
• Warhead and Effectiveness: This missile is equipped with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.
• The missile delivers enhanced destructive power capable of neutralizing modern armored vehicles. 
• Its top-attack capability allows it to strike the most vulnerable part of enemy tanks, increasing its effectiveness against Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and other modern defense systems.
• Launch Platform: The missile is launched from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier).
• All-Weather and Versatile Operation: The Nag MK 2 is a lock-on-after-launch system, designed for all-weather operations. It has the capability to function both during the day and at night.
• Mobility and Portability: The Nag MK 2 is designed for portability to make it lightweight and adaptable for rapid deployment. Its mobility makes it an ideal solution for modern combat to ensure that forces can remain agile on the battlefield while still possessing advanced strike capabilities.

Introduction of Nag Missile System

The Nag missile, also known as “Naga” (Cobra), is India’s anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). 

• It features a launch-after-lock-on mechanism to ensure precision targeting even in harsh conditions. 
• The missile’s range varies from 500 meters to 20 kilometers, depending on the specific variant. 
• It boasts an impressive 90% hit probability in a single shot and a 10-year, maintenance-free shelf life.
• The missile is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), with a total cost of ₹300 crore. 
• In July 2019, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced that the missile was ready for production. 
• The final successful test of the missile was conducted on October 21, 2020, at the Pokhran Army Range.
• The Nag missile is being developed in multiple versions:
  • A land-based version
  • A mast-mounted system
  • A helicopter-launched version called Helina (also known as Dhruvastra)
  • A man-portable version (MPATGM)

Specifications and Features of the Nag Missile 

• Weight: The Nag missile has a weight of 42 kg (93 pounds), this makes it a relatively lightweight yet powerful system.
• Length: The total length of the missile is 1.83 meters (6 feet), it is compact and can be easily transported and deployed.
• Diameter: The missile has a diameter of 0.15 meters (5.9 inches), designed to fit within various launch platforms.
• Wingspan: The missile features a wingspan of 0.4 meters (16 inches) to aid stability during flight.
• Warhead: The Nag missile is equipped with a tandem-charge HEAT warhead, which can penetrate over 900 mm of reactive and rolled homogeneous armor (ERA + RHA) to ensure effective destruction of armored targets.
• Warhead Weight: The warhead weighs 8 kg.
• Engine: It uses a solid propellant rocket booster and a sustainer motor to provide the necessary thrust for both initial launch and sustained flight.
• Launch Platform: The missile can be launched from several platforms, including NAMICA, HAL Rudra, HAL Prachand, and Mil Mi-24 helicopters.
  • The NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) is based on the BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
  • NAMICA carries 12 missiles, with 8 in ready-to-fire mode and 4 in storage.
• External Body: The missile’s body is made from fiberglass to offer durability and resistance to environmental factors.
• Operational Range: The missile’s operational range varies depending on the version:
  • Nag (Prosina): 500 meters to 4 km
  • Helina/Dhruvastra: 7-10 km
  • SANT: 15-20 km
• Speed: The missile reaches a maximum speed of 220-230 meters per second (792-828 km/h).
• Guidance System: The missile’s guidance system includes:
  • Mid-course: Area correlation and a two-way data link for precise navigation.
  • Terminal: Imaging Infrared Homing (IIR) for Helina/Dhruvastra and millimeter-wave active radar homing for SANT.
  • Flight Characteristics: The missile uses foldable wings and tail fins to stabilize its flight, ensuring precise control.
  • Image Processor: It features a real-time image processor that enables automatic target detection and tracking.

Development of the Nag Missile 

• Initiation: The development of the Nag missile began in 1988, under the leadership of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The project faced several years of delays due to issues with the infrared guidance system.
• First Test: The first test of the missile took place in November 1990, this marks the beginning of its journey toward operational success.
• Successive Tests: The missile underwent successful tests in September 1997 and January 2000. By 2000, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that full-scale production of the missile could begin by early 2001. The missile reached its production approval stage in July 2009, and by 2010, the final user trials were successfully completed. These developments marked a significant step toward mass production, with plans for 100 missiles per year to replace older missiles like Concord and Milan.
• Challenges and Modifications: In 2011, the project faced a one-year delay due to changes in the Indian Army’s requirements for the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) platform. The missile failed during tests in 2011. After this, a new indigenous seeker with higher resolution and sensitivity was developed and successfully tested in July 2013 under harsh desert conditions.
• Final Development and Induction: The Nag missile successfully passed its final development tests in September 2016, clearing the way for mass production. By 2018, The missile was declared ready for re-induction into the Indian Army and the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement. It was inducted into the Indian Army in 2019. 

Different Variants of Nag Missile

• Nag (Prosina): This is an original version of the Nag missile, part of the Nag family. It is launched from the NAMICA platform. Multiple successful tests have been conducted for this version.
• Nag MK-2: This is an advanced version of the original Nag missile and is a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). It offers improved features over the previous land-based version.
• MPATGM (Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile): A third-generation anti-tank guided missile developed from the Nag missile, designed for portability. DRDO confirmed its production started in 2021, and it is currently undergoing user trials.
• Helina: An air-launched version of the Nag missile with an extended range of 7 km, suitable for operations in hilly terrain. The missile can penetrate up to 800 mm of armor. It is launched from HAL Rudra helicopters and HAL Prachand.
• SANT (Stand-off Anti-Tank Guided Missile): The fourth-generation upgrade of Helina, designed for long-range anti-armor missions. This missile is equipped with an electro-optical thermal imager (EO/IR) and millimeter-wave active radar homing (MMW) seeker, this missile has an extended range of 15 to 20 km. It was successfully tested at the Pokhran range in November 2018.

Significance of Nag and Its Variants

• Modern Anti-Tank Warfare: The Nag missile and its variants are important for modern anti-tank warfare to provide significant capabilities to the Indian Armed Forces in both land and air-based operations. They enhance India’s ability to neutralize heavily armored tanks and other armoured vehicles on the battlefield.
• High Precision and Reliability: The Nag missile family, with its fire-and-forget and lock-on after launch features, ensures high accuracy and precision. The advanced guidance systems, such as infrared homing and radar homing, make it effective against targets even under challenging conditions, such as countermeasures or jamming attempts.
• Versatile Deployment: With multiple variants, such as Nag MK-2, MPATGM, Helina, and SANT, the missile system offers a versatile deployment for the Indian military. From ground-based platforms like NAMICA to helicopter-launched versions like Helina and long-range SANT, these variants cover a wide spectrum of attack ranges and mobility options.
• Enhanced Operational Flexibility: With its diverse range, the Nag missile system offers the Indian military flexibility in operations across various terrains and combat scenarios. This makes it an essential asset for modern warfare.
• Indigenous Development and Self-Reliance: The development of Nag and its variants under the DRDO initiative signifies India’s move toward self-reliance in defense technologies. The missile family is a testament to India’s capabilities in developing sophisticated weapons systems.

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