Archive · 21 Aug 2025
HELINA and Dhruvastra: India's Indigenous Anti-Tank Missile Systems
Imagine special missiles launched from helicopters, called HELINA and Dhruvastra.
These are like smart arrows that find and destroy tanks.
They are 'fire-and-forget', meaning the helicopter can fly away after launching.
HELINA is for the Army, while Dhruvastra is for the Air Force.
They can hit tanks directly or attack from above.
These missiles are made in India and help the country protect itself, improving national security.
HELINA and Dhruvastra are helicopter-launched, 'fire-and-forget' anti-tank guided missiles developed by DRDO.
HELINA is for the Army, Dhruvastra is for the Air Force; both share core tech but are optimized for each service.
The missiles can attack tanks directly or from above, using infrared imaging for precision targeting.
They have a range of up to 7km and can penetrate advanced tank armor.
These systems exemplify India's indigenous defense capabilities and strategic independence.
- Who
- Developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, for the Indian Army and Air Force.
- What
- HELINA and Dhruvastra are helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missiles.
- When
- User trials and development have been ongoing since at least 2015.
- Where
- Developed by DRDL, Hyderabad, and tested at Pokhran.
- Why
- To provide India with indigenous, advanced, anti-tank capabilities and enhance strategic independence.
- Missile Type
- Anti-Tank Guided Missile
- Launch Platform
- Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
- Range
- Up to 7 kilometers
- Weight
- Approximately 45 kilograms
- Attack Modes
- Direct hit and top attack
- Development Agency
- DRDL (Defence Research and Development Laboratory)