India completed tests of anti-tank missile for 135 thousand dollars
Indian sources report the completion of tests of the Nag Helina anti-tank guided missile. The peculiarity of this ATGM is that it can be used from an aircraft carrier - first of all, we are talking about attack helicopters.
ATGM Nag Helina has been repeatedly tested precisely from the Indian Air Force attack helicopter. The success of the tests was confirmed by the director of the project for the creation of such a rocket, Sachin Sood. He represents the Defense Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad, part of the DRDO.
In India, special emphasis is placed on the fact that the Nag Helina anti-tank guided missile is a completely Indian development.
Sachin Sud:
At the initial stage, it is planned to purchase 500 such missiles and 40 launchers for the Indian armed forces. All of these launchers are planned to be placed on helicopters.
It is reported that one such rocket will cost about 10 million rupees for the Indian budget (the rupee is currently at its exchange rate approximately equal to the ruble).
Experts point out that 135 thousand dollars for such ammunition is a very impressive amount. However, the manufacturer claims that the effectiveness of hitting a target with such a missile is high - the probability of hitting a target in the form of a "tank" from a height of about 1 km and from a distance of up to 3,5 km is 90%. It is stated that such indicators were identified during 3 stages of testing. And therefore the price is justified. Moreover, with the expansion of production, it (price) will decrease.
The Nag Helina ATGM itself can be used at a distance of 500 m to 7 km. Earlier, during tests in India, there were problems with the accuracy of hitting a target at minimum distances. Now, according to the laboratory where the development was carried out, these problems have been solved.
Developer:
The main carrier of such an ATGM should be the LCH, a light helicopter of the Indian Air Force, which, as Sachin Sud notes, "will soon enter service."
Information