HELINA Missile (Helicopter-Launched NAG)

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Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has recently secured a contract worth ₹1,109.37 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of launchers for the HELINA (Helicopter-Launched NAG) anti-tank guided missile system, strengthening India's indigenous defence capabilities.

About HELINA Missile

• HELINA (Helicopter-Launched NAG) is an indigenously developed third-generation, Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).

• It is the helicopter-launched version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile and has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

• The Indian Air Force version of the missile is known as Dhruvastra, while a separate man-portable ATGM variant has also been developed for infantry use.

Features

• The HELINA missile is approximately 1.94 metres long, has a diameter of 150 mm, and weighs around 44 kg.

• It is integrated with two twin launchers, mounted on either side of the helicopter, enabling the platform to carry up to eight missiles.

• The missile has an effective engagement range of 500 metres to 7 kilometres, allowing helicopters to engage enemy armoured vehicles from a safe stand-off distance.

• HELINA is equipped with an Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker featuring Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) capability. This enables the crew to identify and lock onto the target before launch, after which the missile autonomously tracks and destroys the target without further guidance.

Operational Capabilities

• HELINA follows a Top-Attack Flight Profile, in which the missile climbs after launch and then strikes the top of the enemy tank, targeting its weakest armour.

• The missile employs Fire-and-Forget technology, eliminating the need for continuous operator guidance after launch and allowing the launch platform to disengage immediately.

• It is capable of operating during both day and night, in all-weather conditions, and can effectively destroy modern main battle tanks equipped with conventional armour as well as Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).

Significance

HELINA significantly enhances the anti-armour capability of the Indian Armed Forces by providing a highly accurate, indigenous, and advanced stand-off weapon system. Developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, it reduces dependence on imported anti-tank missile systems and strengthens India's indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.