New Delhi, April 11 (Agency) India on Monday conducted successful flight test of Anti Tank Guided Missile Helina from indigenously-developed Advanced Light Helicopter at high-altitude ranges as part of validation trials. The flight-test was jointly conducted by the teams of scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF).
“The flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the missile was fired successfully engaging simulated tank target. The missile is guided by an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode. It is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world,” said Defence Ministry. In continuation to validation trials conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan, proof of efficacy at high altitudes paves the way for its integration on the Advanced Light Helicopter, the Ministry added. The trials were witnessed by senior Army commanders and senior scientists of the DRDO. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Indian Army for the maiden achievement through joint work. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the teams for the commendable job performed in difficult conditions.