India successfully tests anti-tank guided missile, guided bombs

NEW DELHI: India has successfully flight tested it s indigenously developed helicopter launched anti- tank guided missile and guided bombs — smart anti- airfield weapons ( SAAW) in western state of Rajasthan, officials said yesterday.

According to Xinhua news agency, the test was carried out at Pokhran of Jaisalmer district about 452km west of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.

“Indigenously developed helicopter launched anti- tank guided missile ,‘ Helina’ has been successfully f light tested from army helicopter in the ranges of Pokhran yesterday,” a defence ministry spokesman said.

“The weapon system has been tested for its full range.”

Acc ording to officials, the weapon system released smoot h ly from t he launch plat form, tracked the target all through its course before hitting it with high precision.

Senior officials from India’s Defence Research Development Organisat ion ( DRDO) and the army par ticipated and witnessed the f light tests.

Separately, indigenously designed and developed guided bombs were successfully f light tested from an Indian Air Force aircraft at Chandan range.

Of f icials said the weapon was capable of destroying a variety of ground targets using precision navigation.

India’s Defence Mini ster Nirma la Sit ha raman has congratulated the DRDO on the successful f light tests for fur ther st rengthening the country’s defence capabilities.