Helina, Dhruvastra ATGMs successfully test fired

Successfully test-fired DRDO-developed Helena and Dhruvastra ATGM Systems

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out joint user trials of indigenously developed Helina and Dhruvastra Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) in the Pokhran deserts in Rajasthan indicating the readiness of the weapon systems for an early induction in the armed forces.

The indigenously developed missiles were fired in hover and max forward flight against realistic static and moving targets. Five missions were carried out for evaluating the capabilities of the missiles in minimum and maximum range. The ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’ are third generation anti-tank guided missiles that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system, which operates on fire and forget mode, has all weather day and night capability. The weapon system can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour. The missile will equip the weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv, HAL built combat helicopter Rudra and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

While the Nag missile has a maximum range of 4 km, the Helina has an extended strike range of about 8 km. Guided by imaging infrared seeker, the missile operates on lock-on-before launch mode, which helps extend its strike range.