India to induct Dhruvastra anti-tank missile developed by DRDO

NEW DELHI: Recent reports claim that India is set to induct its indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile, 'Dhruvastra,' into the armed forces. The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is designed to be launched from helicopters. It is capable of destroying enemy tanks and armoured vehicles, especially in high-altitude battle conditions such as Ladakh.

Once the missile is launched, the helicopter pilot can quickly move away from the area. This reduces the risk of the helicopter being targeted in return attacks. Dhruvastra can penetrate up to 800 mm thick armour, including the weaker top armour of modern tanks. It has a strike range of about seven kilometres and can hit enemy targets with high accuracy.

Weighing around 43 kilograms, the missile is designed to function effectively even in low-density air conditions like the Himalayas, without affecting helicopter performance. Dhruvastra will be deployed on India’s indigenously developed attack helicopters such as Rudra and Prachand.

The missile has been developed by DRDO as part of the Nagastra anti-tank missile program. Dhruvastra is the air-launched version of the Nag missile. Its induction is expected to reduce India’s dependence on foreign missiles like Konkurs and Milan.