Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a prominent state-owned Indian aerospace company, is gearing up for a significant milestone as it plans to conduct trials of the indigenous Helina (the Army version) and Dhruvastra (IAF version) anti-tank guided missile systems from the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. This decision comes despite these missile systems having already received operational clearance for use on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform, which shares similar avionics and systems.
Insiders familiar with the matter have disclosed that these upcoming trials won't focus on assessing the missiles' range capabilities, be it minimum or maximum. Instead, they are part of a mandatory checklist required to approve the missiles' operational deployment from a new platform, the LCH Prachand, even though these missiles have previously undergone extensive testing on the ALH-MkIV Rudra Attack Helicopters.
The Helina and Dhruvastra missiles are third-generation, Lock-before-launch (LOBL), fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missiles, representing cutting-edge technology. They are capable of engaging targets using both direct hit and top attack modes, providing all-weather, day and night operational capabilities. These missiles are designed to effectively defeat battle tanks equipped with conventional armor as well as explosive reactive armor, making them among the most advanced anti-tank weapons globally.
Furthermore, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has given the green light for the procurement of Dhruvastra, a short-range air-to-surface anti-tank guided missile. This particular missile is intended to be launched from the HAL-manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-IV.
In another significant development, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted approval for the procurement of 800 Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) for the Mechanised Infantry and Armoured Corps. The Indian Army had previously issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding this acquisition.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that four major domestic automobile manufacturers in the country responded to the RFI, which was issued last year. With the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) now in place, the final evaluation and trials for these vehicles could commence in the near future."