India has placed a significant order for 2,400 Nag Mk 2 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in a move aimed at strengthening its defensive posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. The procurement underscores India’s focus on indigenous defense production and tactical preparedness amid persistent regional tensions.
Strategic Context: Escalating Border Tensions Drive Procurement
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the acquisition of the Nag Mk 2 ATGMs in October 2025 under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP). The decision comes against a backdrop of continued military standoffs with China in Eastern Ladakh since mid-2020 and ongoing ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces along the LoC.
With both adversaries fielding modern armored platforms—China deploying Type 15 light tanks in high-altitude areas and Pakistan operating upgraded Al-Khalid MBTs—the Indian Army has prioritized enhancing its anti-armor capabilities. The induction of Nag Mk 2 is expected to provide infantry and mechanized units with a potent fire-and-forget solution optimized for diverse terrain including deserts, plains, and mountainous regions.
Nag Mk 2: Capabilities and Improvements Over Previous Variants
The Nag Mk 2 is an upgraded version of India’s third-generation fire-and-forget missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed to destroy heavily protected armored vehicles equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA), it features several enhancements over its predecessor:
- Range: Extended engagement envelope up to approximately 5 km from earlier ~4 km operational range.
- Guidance: Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker with improved resolution for better target discrimination in cluttered or obscured environments.
- Warhead: Tandem HEAT warhead capable of penetrating ERA-equipped armor systems.
- Launch Platform Compatibility: Deployed from NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), a modified BMP-2 ICV chassis; could potentially be adapted for man-portable or tripod-based launchers in future variants.
The missile uses top-attack trajectory modes to strike weak spots on enemy tanks such as turret roofs. It also supports lock-on-before-launch capability—a critical feature for engaging targets without exposing launch teams post-firing.
Bharat Dynamics Limited Secures Production Contract
The production contract for the new batch of missiles has been awarded to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), India’s primary state-owned missile manufacturer. BDL has already been producing limited quantities of earlier Nag variants since operational clearance was granted following successful trials in desert conditions in Rajasthan during summer trials between 2019–2021.
This order marks one of the largest serial production runs for an indigenous ATGM system. According to BDL’s financial disclosures and MoD statements reviewed by MiliVox, deliveries are expected to begin by late Q4 FY2026–27. The company is reportedly scaling up its Hyderabad facility’s capacity to meet this demand while concurrently supporting other programs like HELINA (air-launched variant) and MPATGM (man-portable version).
Tactical Role within Indian Army Doctrine
The Indian Army envisions deploying the Nag Mk 2 primarily with its mechanized infantry formations along key sectors prone to armored incursions—such as Ladakh’s Depsang Plains or Rajasthan’s desert frontlines. Mounted on NAMICA carriers with amphibious capability and thermal sights integrated into commander stations, these systems can operate both day/night across varying altitudes.
The missile complements existing imported systems like Israel’s SPIKE LR-II ATGMs currently deployed at platoon/company level. Unlike SPIKE—which allows mid-course correction via fiber-optic link—the Nag prioritizes simplicity via autonomous homing post-launch. This makes it particularly suited for high-altitude engagements where line-of-sight may be briefly available but maneuverability is constrained due to terrain or weather conditions.
Indigenous Development vs Imported Systems: Strategic Autonomy Push
This procurement aligns with India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (“self-reliant India”) initiative aimed at reducing dependency on foreign-origin weaponry. While India continues limited imports—such as FGM-148 Javelin trials or license-built SPIKE variants—it increasingly favors domestic solutions where feasible.
The development timeline for Nag spans over two decades since DRDO initiated design work in early 2000s under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Despite delays due to seeker performance issues and platform integration challenges, recent improvements have yielded a viable product now entering mass deployment phase.
Future Outlook: Integration with Digital Battlefield Systems
Looking ahead, DRDO officials have hinted at potential upgrades including network-centric enhancements—such as integration into battlefield management systems (BMS), AI-assisted target selection algorithms using EO/IR feeds from UAVs or ground sensors—and compatibility with remote weapon stations on future ICV platforms under Project FICV.
If successful operationally across multiple terrains during initial deployment phases through FY2027–28, further orders could follow including possible exports under India’s defense diplomacy efforts targeting Southeast Asia or Africa where low-cost armored warfare solutions are in demand.
