The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) Hyderabad, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed all trials of the indigenously made Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Helina. According to the available data, the Army had started the process for issuing of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN). After the AON, the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued regarding the Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
The cost estimation of the missiles is yet to be finalized but the expected cost of one missile will be under ₹1 crore. Around 500 missiles and 40 launchers will be required in the initial stage.
Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Helina
HELINA is a Helicopter based NAG which is a third-generation fire and forget class anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system mounted on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The system can hit a target with a minimum range of 500 m and a maximum range of 7 km. The missile is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR), which makes it one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world.
The missile system has all-weather day and night capability. It can penetrate through the conventional armor and can also destroy the explosive reactive armor. The missile can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The Indian Air Force has asked for the feasibility of integrating the Helina on the soon-to-be inducted Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) which will add to the current weapon arsenal of the Indian Air Force.
User trials of Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems ‘Helina’ & ‘Dhruvastra’ were carried in February 2021
In February 2021, the joint user trials for Helina (Army Version) and Dhruvastra (Air Force Version) Missile Systems were carried out from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform in desert ranges.
Live firing of five missions was carried out to evaluate the missile capabilities in their minimum and maximum range. The missiles were fired in hover and max forward flight against realistic static and moving targets. Some missions were carried out with warheads against derelict tanks. A mission was also carried out against a moving target from a forward flying helicopter.
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