Army to fast track anti-tank missiles for Rudra armed helicopter

The Indian Army awaits decision on anti-tank missiles for its indigenous Rudra armed helicopters. The Rudra has been manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and is the Weapon System Integrated (WSI) Dhruv Mark-4 armed version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Currently, Rudra has been equipped with French Nexter THL-20 chin mounted gun turret housing 20 mm M621 cannon and Belgian 70 mm rockets.

To meet the critical requirement of helicopter launched anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), the army plans to procure a limited number from global vendors at a cost of about Rs 1300 crores, and plans to issue a fresh tender to buy ATGMs on fast track. The Army and IAF plan to acquire 76 Rudra helicopters armed with guns, rockets and missiles.