India has successfully test-fired a locally developed anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), Helina, at a high-altitude range as part of user validation trials. The latest test came on the back of a series of trials conducted at the Pokhran firing range in Rajathan.
Teams of scientist from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army, and Indian Air Force conducted the flying test together,” the ministry said in a statement
Things you need to know about the anti-tank guided missile,Helina
The Helina (Army variant) is a third-generation anti tank guided missile that is launched from a helicopter (the Nag missile system).
The missile system is capable of defeating battle tanks with conventional armour and explosive reactive armour in all weather conditions.
It is launched from twin-tube stub wing-mounted launchers on board Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Rudra helicopters and HAL Light Combat Helicopters (LCH)
It is architecturally distinct from Nag and is guided for target engagement by an infrared imaging seeker (IIR) operating in the lock-on-before-launch mode..
It supports both top attack and direct attack functionality. As of September 20, 2021, HELINA had completed all types of user trials. The Indian Army is prepared to purchase the missile, which is projected to cost less than one crore rupees. A total of 500 missiles and 40 launch tubes are required to meet the first demand.
