New Delhi: Combined user testing for Helina (Army version) and Dhruvastra (Airforce version) missile systems have been carried out in the Desert Range from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platforms. The missile systems have been designed and developed indigenously by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Five missions were conducted to evaluate missile capabilities in the minimum and maximum range. The missiles hover against realistic, stationary and moving targets and fire in a max forward flight. Some missions were carried out from the Warheads against abandoned tanks. The mission was carried out against a moving target by a helicopter flying ahead.
Helina and Dhruvstra are third-generation, lock-on before launch (LOBL) fire and forward anti-tank guided missiles capable of hitting targets in both direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system has all-weather day and night capability and the ability to defeat conventional armor tanks as well as battle tanks with explosive reactive armor. It is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. Preparations are now underway to include missile systems.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Army and Air Force for their achievements. Dr. G. Satish Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defense Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO, appreciated the efforts of the teams involved in the successful trials.