• 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.