The idea of utilizing manned vehicles to deliver anti-tank missiles has its origins in the mid-20th century as militaries sought new ways to combat the growing threat of armored vehicles. During World War II, hand-held anti-tank weapons like the Panzerfaust and Bazooka provided light infantry with an effective means to tackle tanks. However, these systems had limited range and accuracy. Seeking to improve on these early designs, researchers experimented with mounting anti-tank warheads on light unmanned platforms that could be remotely guided to their targets.
The first attempts at manned anti-tank missile carriers emerged in the late 1950s. In 1957, the Soviet Union tested the AT-1 Snapper, which mounted four SS-1 Scud missiles on an amphibious carrier vehicle. Although primitive, the AT-1 demonstrated the viability of using a manned platform to deliver guided anti-armor munitions over long distances. Around the same time, Israeli and American engineers were developing similar light anti-tank systems for infantry use. This paved the way for more advanced Manned Anti-Tank Guided Missiles System (MATGMS) vehicles in later decades.
The Golden Age of MATGMs
The 1960s through 1980s represented the golden age of MATGM development as the threat of mass armored assaults in a large-scale conflict inspired new designs on both sides of the Cold War divide. In the Soviet Union, the 9P149 Missile Carrier entered service in 1962. Carrying four 9M14 Malyutka missiles, it offered improved mobility and accuracy over earlier AT-1 vehicles. NATO countries countered with systems like the M47 Dragon, TOW, and MILAN missiles, which provided frontline forces with effective anti-tank options.
Throughout this period, MATGMs grew rapidly in sophistication. New semiautomatic command line-of-sight systems and thermal imaging allowed more precise targeting even at long ranges, day or night. Vehicle platforms also advanced, with amphibious carriers giving way to smaller, highly mobile light armored vehicles. This epitomized with the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle, which mounted a AT-3 Sagger missile launcher alongside a 100mm gun. For some nations, MATGMs mounted on AFVs became a cost-effective replacement for tank destroyers.
The Post-Cold War Era
As the Cold War ended in the late 1980s, many viewed MATGMs as a weapon whose time had passed. Tank warfare declined in relevance as inter-state conflicts diminished. Technologies like GPS-guided missiles also lessened the need for line-of-sight guidance by manned platforms. However, events soon proved MATGMs still had an important battlefield role to play.
In the 1990s Gulf Wars, systems like the TOW and Dragon showed their continued potency against Iraqi armor, even from long ranges. Meanwhile, asymmetric warfare flourished as non-state armed groups acquired MANPADS and guided anti-tank rockets. MATGMs were well-suited for counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, where precision and stand-off range allowed engaging hard targets amid civilians. This utility has kept platforms like the MILAN and Spike in service today with Western militaries fighting insurgents.
Ongoing Development
The future of Manned Anti-Tank Guided Missiles System remains bright as new technologies integrate with proven designs. Recent systems offer greater versatility. For example, the Indian Nag Missile is designed for land, amphibious, and airborne deployment options. Advancements in fire control systems, sensors, and electric-rocket propulsion are extending engagement ranges past 5km. New missiles also bring all-weather capability and top-attack profile warheads for defeating armor add-on kits.
Lighter weight missiles coupled with unmanned mini-drones promise a new generation of MATGMs. The Denel Umbani is a man-portable system demonstrating this concept, with its 6kg missile and aerial spotter drone. Fully automated vehicles are another potential evolution, removing personnel from harm's way. However, for developing nations, affordable manned systems will remain relevant due to training and logistical simplicity. As new arenas for armor use like urban warfare emerge, the modernized MATGM ensures this weapon class has a vibrant future on 21st century battlefields.
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