Make in India-Defence

The programme is significant because CHESS is one of the DRDO establishments associated with high-energy technologies and directed-energy research. A collimated fibre laser array represents an important class of optical technology for generating, conditioning and directing multiple laser outputs with controlled beam characteristics, capabilities that have relevance to the broader development of scalable high-power laser systems.

The comparison became more relevant after DRDO successfully demonstrated MPATGM against a moving tank-type target in January 2026 using a top-attack engagement profile. That trial showed that the latest Indian configuration had moved beyond basic technology demonstration and was approaching the stage required for induction into the Indian Army. The result placed India much closer to possessing a domestically controlled weapon in the same broad battlefield category as Javelin.

The Ministry of Defence described the August 25 decision as an important step towards greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Instead of relying primarily on a small number of traditional production agencies, DRDO-developed conventional missile technologies can now be transferred to a wider pool of capable Indian manufacturers.

Singh confirmed that TASL is separately developing systems with a range of 400 km, indicating that the company is working beyond the tactical loitering-munition category in which it has already secured significant orders from the Indian armed forces.

The initiative is important because modern armies need combat engineers who can keep pace with tanks and mechanised formations. Traditional mine-laying often requires considerable manpower and time. A vehicle-mounted system can scatter mines much faster while remaining mobile.