The indigenous missile can neutralise the targets up to 10 km and has high precision strike capability from a safe distance (Photo Credit: The Financial Express)
The indigenous development of various configurations for different applications with advanced technologies is a firm march towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed Helicopter launched Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran ranges on Saturday (December 11).
The flight test was successful in meeting all its mission objectives. The release mechanism, advanced guidance and tracking algorithms, all avionics with integrated software, performed satisfactorily and tracking systems monitored all mission events.
The missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art MMW seeker, which provides high precision strike capability from a safe distance. The weapon can neutralise targets in a range up to 10 km.
The SANT missile has been designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in coordination with other DRDO labs and participation from industries. This is the third in the series of indigenous stand-off weapons to be tested in recent times after long-range bombs and smart anti airfield weapons for strengthening the arsenal of IAF.
The indigenous development of various configurations for different applications with advanced technologies is a firm march towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the team associated with the mission. Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, said, “the successful flight test of SANT missile would further bolster the indigenous defence capabilities.”
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, there has been a massive push towards making India AatmaNirbhar in defence capabilities.
On October 15 this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the seven new Defense Companies, Munitions India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Troop Comforts Limited, Yantra India Limited, India Optel Limited, and Gliders India Limited, to the nation.
He had said, “41 Ordinance factories are being converted into seven corporate entities, as a measure to improve India’s self-reliance and defence preparedness. The Government and public sector have joined hands for ‘Rashtra-Surakhsha’ that will boost India’s economy and encourage to reach new heights.”
PM Modi had urged “the start-ups to become a part of this new journey through these companies to leverage the research and expertise of each other.”
He mentioned that the Government has given these new companies a better production environment and complete functional autonomy.
Under AatmaNirbhar Bharat, the Union government is manufacturing 6 lakh units of AK-203 assault rifles at its Amethi’s plant in Uttar Pradesh.
(With inputs from PIB)
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