_______ and Indian Air Force (IAF) flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed helicopter that launched the Stand Off Anti Tank (SANT) missile for the first time from Pokhran on 11 December 2021.

The correct answer is Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Key Points

• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed helicopter-launched Stand Off Anti Tank (SANT) missile.
• The test was conducted at the Pokhran range on 11 December 2021.
• SANT missile is an advanced variant of the HELINA (Helicopter Launched Nag) weapon system.
• The missile has a range of up to 10 km and is equipped with a state-of-the-art millimeter wave seeker.
• This successful test enhances the capability of IAF to target and destroy enemy tanks from a safe distance.

Additional Information

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • DRDO is an agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.
  • It is charged with the military's research and development, headquartered in New Delhi, India.
  • DRDO was established in 1958 by merging the Defence Science Organisation and some technical development establishments.
  • DRDO's mission is to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.
  • It works on various fields like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems.
• Stand Off Anti Tank (SANT) Missile
  • SANT missile is developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force.
  • The missile is designed to target enemy tanks and armored vehicles from a distance.
  • It features a millimeter wave seeker that provides high precision in targeting.
  • SANT is an advanced variant of the Nag missile, specifically designed to be launched from helicopters.
  • It enhances the operational capabilities of the IAF in anti-tank warfare.
• Pokhran Test Range
  • Pokhran Test Range is a key testing location for India's defence technologies, located in Rajasthan.
  • It is known for the nuclear tests conducted by India in 1974 and 1998.
  • The range is managed by the Indian Army and is used for testing various types of weapon systems.
  • It provides a controlled environment for testing and validating defence equipment and technologies.