NATIONAL: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th Generation, technically-advanced miniaturised Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 03 & 04, 2024. The tests were carried out against a high-speed target, demonstrating very critical parameters of maximum range and maximum altitude interception. These development trials showcased the repeatability of the hit-to-kill capability of the weapon system in various target engagement scenarios covering approaching, receding and crossing modes.

The development of VSHORADS missiles has been completed and two production agencies have been engaged in the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode. In these trials, the missiles realised through DcPPs have been successfully used, thus paving the way for early User trials and Production in a short time span in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. 

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and DcPPs. The three Services have been associated with the project right from the beginning and participated during the developmental trials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces and the Industry involved in the successful development trials. This new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces against aerial threats, he said.