Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Has Officially Approved The Indigenous Dhruvastra Missile
In a significant development, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given the green light to several capital acquisition proposals, including the indigenous Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missile. This precision-guided weapon is designed for deployment on the indigenously built DHRUV MK-IV helicopters and is poised to elevate India’s combat capabilities against enemy tanks and armored vehicles significantly.
The approval of the Dhruvastra missile system by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) marks a substantial enhancement in India’s military capabilities. This advanced missile system, originally named Helina and developed as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a formidable addition to India’s array of military assets.
The Dhruvastra missile is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system, renowned for its versatility in engaging and neutralizing enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
This advanced system offers the following remarkable features:
1. Dual Engagement Modes: Dhruvastra operates in both direct hit mode and top attack mode, making it highly adaptable to various combat scenarios. This capability allows it to strike targets from different angles, increasing its effectiveness.
2. Impressive Range: With a range spanning from 500 meters to an impressive 7 kilometers, Dhruvastra can engage targets across a wide spectrum. This extensive reach ensures that enemy tanks and armored vehicles are within its striking distance.
3. High-altitude Launch: Dhruvastra can be launched from altitudes of up to 4 kilometers, giving it a strategic advantage in mountainous terrain and complex battlefields.
4. Effective Target Tracking: At the core of Dhruvastra’s precision is its imaging infrared-seeker (IIS), which tracks and guides the missile to its target based on the target’s heat signature. This seeker can lock onto a target before or after a missile launch, ensuring optimal accuracy even in challenging conditions such as low light or adverse weather.
5. Penetrating Warhead: Dhruvastra’s special warhead is designed to penetrate various types of armor, including reactive armor, commonly found on modern tanks. This feature makes it a formidable anti-tank weapon.
The induction of the Dhruvastra Missile into the Indian Army and Air Force not only enhances India’s defense capabilities but also bolsters its stance in territorial disputes with neighboring nations. With both China and Pakistan possessing substantial armored forces, Dhruvastra equips India with a formidable countermeasure.
India’s indigenous missile technology continues to evolve rapidly. In addition to Dhruvastra, the DRDO has developed a man-portable version of the Nag missile known as the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), extending its use to infantry soldiers. Additionally, the DRDO is working on the SANT missile, a longer-range version of the Nag missile, with a range of 15-20 kilometers, suitable for launch from helicopters and drones.
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