The DRDO is readying to carry out a trial of an advanced version of cannon launched laser-guided missile (CLGM) from a defence base off the Odisha coast on Monday.
A reliable source said the missile would be test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea. Preparation for the mission is near complete. A special launcher has been set up at the launching complex here for the scheduled test.
A defence official said if every thing goes according to the programme, the missile will be fired in the afternoon. "We have waited for the low tide to carry out the test,” he said.
The missile has been developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment at Bangalore and is a new generation anti-tank missile. It can neutralise any target in 3 km to 5 km range. It is in fact an all terrain missile that can be used by the army, navy and air force.
Sources said the missile will equip the Arjun MK-2 and MK-1 tanks. This missile has bigger warhead and little slower than original 105-mm Laser Homing Attack or Laser Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) from Israel.
“The CLGM uses a laser of a specific frequency bandwidth to locate the target. The laser creates a heat signature on the target. The missile recognises it and homes in on it even if the target is moving,” said a defence scientist.
The missile can also target other armoured targets and helicopters at extended ranges. Equipped with a tandem warhead, the missile can deal with modern heavily armoured tanks, even those with reactive armour.
The ADE has developed the missile with global positioning system technology. A team of officials of the ADE has arrived here for the test. Last week, at least four rounds of laser-guided bombs were successfully tested from the test range.