India Test-Fires Helicopter Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HeliNag’

India has successfully tested an indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) from a Helicopter.

The anti-tank missile, “HeliNa (HELIcopter Nag)” is the helicopter launched version of Nag missile developed by the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) among the five missiles developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Three missiles were fired from the Chandan firing range in Jaisalmer of which two hit the target.

Three ‘HeliNa’ missiles were fired during the guided flight trials at Chandan firing range in Jaisalmer.

Once inducted in the Armed Forces, the HeliNa missile will be integrated with the weaponised version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, the light combat helicopter produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

The HeliNa is handled by the missile handling unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The earlier trials of this third generation ‘fire and forget’ missile, though lagging behind its schedule, were conducted from the Pokhran firing range. It is one of the five missile systems developed by DRDO under the integrated guided missile development program (IGMDP).

“Two of the trials were successful in hitting the target, while one reportedly missed the target,” defence sources said.

The missile was aimed at hitting targets at varied distances of up to 7 km.

“Though, the observations are yet to be studied and analyzed but this test has brought us closure to the objective certainly,” the sources said.

Earlier trials of this third generation ‘fire and forget’ missile were conducted from the Pokhran firing range and Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur and dubbed as successful.

Officials said the trials were conducted for a range of seven kilometres this time.