India's SAMHO Cannon Launched Missile Ready for Production, Revolutionizing Anti-Tank Warfare

Defense News ,India :- India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reached a pivotal milestone with the successful completion of the 120 mm Cannon Launched Missile Development Program (CLMDP), known as SAMHO  (or Semi-Active Mission Homing) . This cutting-edge missile, designed for the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT), has surpassed all trials and is now poised for production.

The SAMHO marks a significant leap forward in India's anti-tank warfare capabilities. The missile's first trial took place on September 22, 2020, followed by tests in October 2020 and June 2022. The culmination of these efforts resulted in a successful live firing test on August 4, 2022.

Tailored for deployment on the Arjun MBT, SAMHO packs a formidable punch against contemporary and future armored threats. Its semi-active laser homing guidance system enables precise targeting of enemy main battle tanks, including those protected by explosive reactive armor, hardened point targets, and even low-flying helicopters. The weapon system also utilizes a High Explosive Anti-Tank Warhead (HEAT) to neutralize heavily armored modern vehicles and tanks.

SAMHO exhibits remarkable versatility with two distinct firing modes. The Top Attack Lifted Trajectory, ideal for engaging heavily armored targets from above, offers enhanced protection against countermeasures with a range of 2-5 km. The Direct (Flat) Trajectory, designed for rapid engagements or closer distances, provides a range of 1.5 to 2 km.

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) like SAMHO are primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily armored military vehicles. SAMHO's flexibility extends to its guidance system, capable of receiving laser targeting information from the Arjun tank's co-mounted laser designator or a separate third-party designator, maximizing operational possibilities.

The successful development of SAMHO signifies a significant stride in India's pursuit of self-reliance in defense and critical defense technologies. Its potent capabilities not only enhance the offensive and defensive firepower of the Arjun Tank but also provide a formidable advantage on the battlefield. The platform's versatility hints at potential integration with other armored vehicles in the future, further strengthening India's ground forces. Looking ahead, DRDO aims to integrate SAMHO missiles on the T-90 Bhishma Tanks used by the Indian Army's Armored Corps.