Anti-Runway and Anti-Tank Missiles Tested Successfully

Prelims level : Defence Mains level :
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  • The defence ministry announced the success of two major new indigenous weapon systems developed by the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO).

Missiles that are tested:

  • Smart anti-airfield weapon (SAAW)
  • Helina (Helicopter launched Nag missile)

SAAW:

  • The SAAW is an accurate bomb and is termed a long-range precision-guided munition (PGM).
  • After its release from an aircraft, a sophisticated “inertial navigation system” on the bomb guides it precisely to its target — typically an enemy airfield up to 100 km away.

Advantages of SAAW:

  • Striking the airfield’s runway precisely with one bomb is more economical than using traditional free-fall bombs, which are less accurate and must therefore be released in large numbers to be assured of incapacitating the target airfield.
  • Another advantage of SAAW is that, after releasing it at a distance from the enemy airbase, the aircraft can return without exposing itself to anti-aircraft defences surrounding most air bases.
  • It is capable of destroying runways, bunkers, aircraft hangers and other reinforced structures.
  • The bomb, which is said to have higher precision and much cheaper compared with missiles, can be carried on IAF’s various aircraft like Jaguar and MiG

Helina:

  • Indigenous Dhruv helicopter launched a HELINA anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) at a tank target seven kilometres away, successfully striking and destroying it.
  • The missile is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world.
  • It is a heavier and longer-range version of the vehicle mounted Nag missile with a 4-km range.
  • The Missile is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode.
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