In a bold tactical move amid rising tensions, the Indian Army recently used an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) to destroy a Pakistani military post across the Line of Control (LoC). The strike, which was part of India’s broader retaliation under Operation Sindoor, demonstrated not only India’s precision capabilities but also its strategic resolve in responding to cross-border provocations. But what exactly is this missile system that proved decisive in neutralizing a fortified position?
India has a range of ATGMs in its arsenal, and while officials have not publicly confirmed the exact system used in this specific operation, experts and defense observers suggest that it is likely the Nag, Spike, or Konkurs-M missile system—each known for its lethal accuracy and ability to destroy hardened targets such as bunkers and armored vehicles.
The Israeli-origin Spike missile, which is in service with Indian infantry and specialized units along the LoC, is a fire-and-forget, man-portable ATGM with a range of up to 4 kilometers. Its real-time target-tracking system allows operators to maintain lock-on even in challenging terrain or during enemy fire. Its ability to deliver pinpoint strikes on enemy bunkers makes it ideal for precision retaliation missions like the one recently conducted.
India’s indigenous Nag missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is another strong possibility. Designed for use from land or air platforms, the Nag has a fire-and-forget capability with a range of 4–7 kilometers and is known for its top-attack mode, which is particularly effective against tanks and fortified structures.
Another possibility is the Konkurs-M, a second-generation, wire-guided ATGM of Russian origin, produced under license in India. It is battle-tested and continues to serve as a reliable system, particularly in high-altitude operations.
ATGMs are not used solely against tanks. In the rugged, mountainous terrain of the LoC, enemy bunkers, sniper nests, and small fortifications are often within line-of-sight but inaccessible to artillery due to collateral concerns. This is where ATGMs provide a surgical option. Their precision strike ability ensures minimal risk to civilian infrastructure while delivering maximum impact on the enemy's forward positions.
The use of an ATGM to target a Pakistani post sends a strong strategic message: India is prepared to respond to border aggression not just with infantry patrols and mortar fire but with high-tech precision weapons. It signals a shift in tactical doctrine—where every provocation is met with a proportionate but technologically superior response.
As Operation Sindoor unfolds and India continues to safeguard its borders with calibrated force, the deployment of ATGMs like the Spike, Nag, or Konkurs-M reflects not only military preparedness but also the strategic integration of advanced weapons into counter-terror and defensive operations.