The recent successful flight-testing of Helina, an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), in Pokhran has thrust India into the global limelight. This important advancement comes straight from the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which claims this to be one of the most progressive Anti-Tank weapons worldwide. This trailblazing test is one of the many user validation trials for third generation ‘fire and forget’ class missiles being developed by the DRDO.
Understanding Helina
Named Helina, this ATGM has been meticulously developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) located in Hyderabad. Falling under the Missiles and Strategic Systems (MSS) cluster of the DRDO, users of the missile have been conducting successful trials since 2018.
Helina brings to the table a maximum range of seven kilometers. It has specifically been designed and developed for seamless integration with the weaponized version of the ALH or Advanced Light Helicopter. Equipped with all-weather, day, and night capabilities, this missile system can efficiently defeat battle tanks that have conventional armour and those with explosive reactive armour. It is suitable for integration with choppers used by both the Army and the Air Force. The Air Force’s version of Helina often goes by the name Dhruvastra.
Engagement Modes of Helina
Helina is equipped to engage targets in two distinct modes: direct hit mode and top attack mode. In the top attack mode, the missile climbs sharply after launch, travels at a specific altitude, and then plunges onto the target. On the other hand, in the direct hit mode, the missile maintains a lower altitude and strikes the target directly.
Other Anti-Tank Missiles from DRDO
The DRDO’s contribution to anti-tank missile technologies is significant. Other prominent contributions include the Nag, a third generation fire-and-forget missile designed to engage heavily fortified enemy tanks within mechanized formations.
The Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) is another feather in DRDO’s cap. With a range of 2.5 kilometers, this missile comes with fire-and-forget and top attack capabilities, making it immensely useful for infantry applications.
Smart Stand-off Anti-Tank Missile (SANT), still under development, is being tailored for launch from the Mi-35 Helicopter, destined to bolster the Air Force’s anti-tank operations.
Lastly, an ATGM for MBT Arjun, a laser-guided and precision-guided weapon, is launched directly from the 120mm rifled gun of the Arjun tank. Its main function is to engage and defeat armoured targets protected by explosive reactive armour.
With continuous success in missile technology, India further solidifies its position on the global defense technology front while ensuring enhanced security at home.
Source: PIB
