The Second World War instigated rapid technological advances in the design of armoured fighting vehicles. These advances were accompanied by similar advances in the design of anti-tank weapons.

By the end of the war in 1945, anti-tank guns had grown into the formidable 17 pounder anti-tank gun, a large weapon requiring several crew and a dedicated gun tractor to service it. The system had some drawbacks as it was far too cumbersome for infantry use in a fluid battlefield situation and there was no guarantee of a first round 'kill'.

Rocket technology appeared to hold considerable promise, and a number of governments around the world intensified research in this area during the post war era. The use of rocket-powered or jet-powered missiles was nothing new, and much of the initial post-war research drew upon the advances made during the war – mainly by the Axis powers.

The guiding principle for the development of the Anti-Tank Guided Weapon (ATGW) was an increased power to weight ratio. Soldiers required a relatively light weight weapon with lethal striking power and the ability to score a first round hit.

Initial research commenced in Australia during 1950 and was sponsored by the Department of Supply in response to the British infantry’s need for a light weight weapon. Development was centred at the Aeronautical Research Laboratory in Melbourne, and codenamed Project E.

Two years later, the British issued an additional requirement for a heavier ATGW for use by the Armoured Corps codenamed Project J. Work was carried out under the UK-Australia Joint Projects Agreement which apportioned the tasks between the two countries: the launcher vehicle and warhead being British responsibilities, while the missile and guidance system were developed in Australia.

A review of the two projects in late 1953 concluded that the heavier Project J ATGW provided greater probability for a first round 'kill', so the lighter Project E development was discontinued. Maximum effort was to be expended on Project J which, by this stage, had been given the name Malkara, an aboriginal word for shield.

By any measure, Malkara was a massive missile, measuring 1800mm long, and carrying a 27-kg HEAT warhead. It could 'kill' any known or proposed Soviet tank, with a high probability of a first round strike. In late 1957, a demonstration of accuracy was conducted for allied observers. Fourteen missiles were fired (seven by UK personnel with minimal training) and there were twelve direct hits on 2.5 metre square targets at ranges up to 1800 metres.

This alone provided ample evidence to claim that Projects E and J had placed Australia at the leading edge of world ATGW development.

The British War Office, in August of that year, ordered 260 Mk 1 missiles, and over a thousand of the improved Mk 1A missiles, at a unit cost of between £2,000 and £3,000 each.

While the unit cost was a distinct marketing disadvantage, there is no doubt about Malkara’s remarkable degree of accuracy, reliability and lethality. Nevertheless, Malkara only entered service with the British Army. The Australian Army had shifted focus by late 1957 stating, ‘Army has no requirement for Malkara as an anti-tank guided missile since it is considered unsuitable for use in South East Asia’.

Following the completion of the British contract in 1964, Malkara production was terminated and developmental research ceased. The opportunity to capitalise on this area of Defence technology was lost.