The Indian defence industry is witnessing a surge in anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) development, with multiple players vying for a slice of the lucrative market. VEM Technologies has emerged as a prominent contender with its indigenously developed AsiBal ATGM.
AsiBal is a third-generation, fire-and-forget missile equipped with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead capable of penetrating up to 850mm of armour. Weighing a total of 18.5 kg, the system boasts a compact design, making it highly portable for infantry soldiers. The missile has successfully cleared Army trials, and VEM Technologies is now awaiting an order.
The development of AsiBal comes amidst growing competition in the ATGM domain. DRDO’s Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) is also in the advanced stages of development, while Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has unveiled its Amogha-III ATGM. Additionally, India is exploring the possibility of localizing the production of the US-made Javelin missile in collaboration with the United States.
This surge in ATGM development is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. With multiple indigenous options available, the Indian Army will have a wider choice of weapons to counter evolving threats.
