India successfully carries out final trial of Nag anti-tank guided missile with a warhead

New Delhi, 22-Oct-2020

India, on Wednesday, successfully carried out the final trial of the DRDO-developed Nag anti-tank guided missile with a warhead. The test was carried out at 6.45 am at the Pokhran field firing ranges in Rajasthan. This is the latest in India's series of missile launches over the past about two months. Earlier, the DRDO has test-fired Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) on September 7. This was followed by BrahMos, a long-range supersonic cruise missile which is crucial to India's strategic forces, followed by surface-to-surface nuclear-capable ballistic missile Shaurya. Rudram 1, a tactical anti-radiation air-to-ground missile was also tested days ago. The series of tests may be viewed as a gesture of strength on the backdrop of an ongoing standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Backed by India's top political leadership, the development comes amid India's renewed push to reliance in defence. While PM Modi has vehemently stressed for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in his recent speeches, the flagship Make in India scheme has been aimed at boosting indigenous production, not just in defence, but even in other sectors. PM Narendra Modi, as well as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have lauded DRDO's efforts towards strengthening India's defence capabilities.