What is Dhruvastra Missile?

About Dhruvastra Missile:

• It is a helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.
• It is a short-range air-to-surface missile.
• It was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Dhruvastra is the Air Force’s version of Helina (Helicopter-launched Nag missile) ATGM.
• Features:
  • It is equipped with Imaging Infra Red (IIR) seeker and operates in “lock on before launch” mode.
  • The fire and forget missile has a minimum range of 500 metres and a maximum range of 7 kilometres.
  • It can be launched from an altitude of up to 4 kilometres and can hit targets moving at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour.
  • The missile can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode.
  • It works in all kinds of weather, during the day or night, and in various types of terrain, such as deserts, plains, hills and forests.

What is Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)?

• It is a man-portable version of the Nag missile.
• It was developed by DRDO.
• It can be carried and fired by infantry soldiers. 
• The MPATGM has a range of 2.5 kilometres and can be used for short-range anti-tank missions. 

Q1) What is the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)?

The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the defence Ministry on procurement with the objective to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the armed forces.It was formed after the Group of Minister’s recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post-Kargil War (1999).The defence minister is the chairman of DAC.

Source: India’s Dhruvastra Missile To Provide Precision Strikes Against Enemy Armor