SLightly OT- India test fires Israeli LAHAT from Arjun

Date Posted: 19-Mar-2004

JANE’S MISSILES AND ROCKETS – APRIL 01, 2004

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India test fires Israeli-designed ATGM from Arjun MBT
David C Isby

India’s indigenous Arjun main battle tank has carried out the first live firing of its Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) LAHAT (laser homing anti-tank) gun-launched anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) armament, writes David C Isby. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the test during the recent DEFEXPO arms show in New Delhi.

The Israeli-designed ATGM was test-fired at an Army range in Rajasthan from an Arjun tank in late January 2004 and is reported to have scored a hit at 5km range. LAHAT is believed to have a range of 2.5-6km and can be used against helicopters as well as armoured vehicles.

The LAHAT uses semi-active laser homing guidance to attack targets designated by the crew of the firing tank, or by ground or airborne observers. Firing can be directed through the commander’s sight, allowing the crew to remain fully protected by the turret armour during missile flight. LAHAT can be commanded to fly a top attack (tank) or direct attack (helicopter) engagement. The missile uses a tandem warhead.

While work and testing on integration remains to be carried out, the announced goal is to have the LAHAT ATGM arm the first batch of 125 production Arjun tanks by 2007. The vehicle is the end product of a long running DRDO programme.

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