According to information published by the Indian government on December 11, 2021, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) flight-tested, the indigenously designed and developed Helicopter launched Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran ranges.

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Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile (Picture source: Protect India My Duty)

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 kms.

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 bomb and smart anti airfield weapon 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.

SANT or Standoff Anti-tank Guided Missile is a fourth-generation upgraded variant of HELINA missile developed for the long-distance airborne anti-armour role.

The upgraded version of the missile is equipped with an electro-optical thermal imager (EO/IR) and a new nose-mounted millimetre wave active radar homing (MMW) seeker with an extended range of up to 15 km to 20 km.