The Indian Ministry of Defence is nearing completion of a procurement deal for 500 Invar anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), sourced from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a government-owned defense manufacturer. The contract is projected to cost between ₹2,000 crore and ₹3,000 crore, underscoring the strategic importance of this acquisition for enhancing armored warfare capabilities.
Overview of the Invar Missile
Developed by Russia’s Rosoboronexport and produced under license by BDL in India, the Invar is a precision-guided weapon designed for deployment from armored platforms like the T-90S Bhishma tanks. It has been integrated into Indian military operations for its ability to engage enemy tanks equipped with advanced Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) systems.
Key Capabilities
- Guidance System : Utilizes a semi-automatic command guidance mechanism with laser beam-riding technology, ensuring resistance to electronic jamming.
- Warhead Design : Features a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat modern armor configurations.
- Target Engagement : Effective against static and moving targets, including armored vehicles traveling at speeds up to 70 km/h.
- Accuracy : Demonstrates a hit probability exceeding 90%, even at extended ranges.
Technical Specifications
- Missile Length : 695 mm; Launching Device: 395 mm
- Caliber : 125 mm
- Effective Range : Up to 5 kilometers
- Flight Time : 17.6 seconds
- Weight : 17.2 kg (missile); 7.1 kg (launching device)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary operational role of the Invar missile?
A: It is primarily employed for engaging and destroying heavily armored combat vehicles.
Q2: Which Indian defense enterprise produces the Invar missile under licensing agreements?
A: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) manufactures the missile domestically under a technology transfer arrangement.
Q3: What is the maximum effective engagement range of the Invar missile?
A: The missile can accurately strike targets at distances of up to approximately 5 kilometers.
