Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 29, 2022, 11:15

MILAN or Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles is an anti-tank weapon manufactured by MBDA (formerly Euromissile). Euromissile is a consortium formed initially by Aerospatiale Matra in France and Daimler Chrysler Aerospace in Germany and is now a subsidiary of EADS Company. The activities of the Aerospatiale Matra missile system have been integrated with MatraBAE Dynamics and Alenia Marconi Systems to form MBDA.

What are Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles?

The Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles consist of two main components:

  1. Launcher
  2. Rocket

The semi-automatic command guidance system (SACLOS) is used for the command line. This guidance system requires the operator to continuously aim at the target during the missile's flight. A sighting device and/or a missile device then guides him to the target.

Depending on the variation, the MILAN rocket uses an infrared lamp or electronic flash lamp mounted on the back to track the target. Missiles are wire-guided by the operator and are not affected by jamming or flares.

Scope of Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles - India's Procurement

Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles are built under license from Bharat Dynamics of India. They were developed for the German and French troops and have produced more than 360,000 rockets and 10,000 launch units since 1972. MILAN belongs to the armed forces of more than 40 countries. The MILAN 3 is armed with a tandem warhead equipped with a new pillar of fire with infrared guidance that is resistant to pulse fire interference. It has been in production since 1996 and was ordered from France, Cyprus, and two other troops.

India ordered an additional 4,100 MILAN2T rockets from Bharat Dynamics in December 2008, extending its licensing agreement for another four years. India acquired 5,000 Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles in January 2019 after getting approval from the Indian Defense Acquisition Council. The Indian Defense Acquisition Council signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics in March 2021 to deliver 4,960 MILAN2T ATGMs to the Indian Army for R $ 11.88 billion (the US $ 163.3 million).

The Design and Specifications of the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles

It was used as an anti-tank weapon and soon became NATO's main anti-tank weapon, deployed by most of the Alliance's troops. A variant of MILAN 2, commissioned by the French, German, and British troops in 1984, used an upgraded 115mm HEAT warhead. MILAN 3 was commissioned by the French Army in 1995 and is equipped with a new generation of localizers that make it more difficult to electronically disrupt the system.

  • Mass 16.4kg
  • Length 1.2m (3 ft 11 in)
  • Diameter 0.115m (4.5 inches)
  • Warhead single or tandem
  • HEAT explosion
  • Contact mechanism
  • Motor solid rocket
  • Span 0.26m (10 inches)
  • Ready to use
  • Range 200-2,000 m (660-6,560 ft). 3,000 m (MILAN HE)
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Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles Significance

Anti-tank Missile MILAN ADT / ER is the latest version of the missile system with a new digitized launch post and a new long-range missile. The MILAN ADT shooting range has an integrated thermal imager with video output that allows remote control. With two rockets, the ADT weighs less than 45 kg. The first guided launch of the missile took place in May 2006. The entire system, turrets, and missiles were first tested in October 2006. The ADT launch site was accredited by the DGA in January 2007, followed by a successful series of evaluation tests completed in March 2007.

The Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles have an extended range of 3,000 m and are equipped with a new multi-effects warhead capable of penetrating 1,000 mm of reactive armour (ERA) or rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) or reinforced concrete over 3 m. A direct attack mode has been added to improve the anti-jamming ability. The Anti-tank missile ammunition is housed in a watertight launch tube. MILAN 2 features a single-shaped charge warhead against very thick composite armour. MILAN 2T and MILAN 3 missiles are equipped with a tandem charge for use against reactive armour.

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FAQs on Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles

Q.1. What are the main components of the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles?

The two main components of the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles are the launcher and the rocket.

Q.2. What are the drawbacks of the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles?

The drawbacks of Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles are short distance, operator exposure, and dangers from overhead power lines.

Q.3 What are the length and diameter of the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles specifications?

The length of the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles is 1.2m (3 ft 11 in), and the diameter is 0.115m (4.5 inches).

Q.4 What are the different variants of the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles?

The different variants of Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles that are presently in use are:

  • MILAN 1
  • MILAN 2
  • MILAN 2T
  • MILAN 3
  • MILAN ER

Q.5. Who designs the Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles?

BDL designs Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles under license from a French company. France and West Germany jointly developed Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles in the 1960s.