India's DRDO Achieves Milestone with Successful Flight Tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System

India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has marked a significant milestone with the successful flight testing of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). The tests, conducted on February 28th and 29th, 2024, involved ground-based portable launchers off the coast of Odisha from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. The VSHORADS missile demonstrated its capabilities against high-speed unmanned aerial targets in diverse interception scenarios, achieving all mission objectives.

Developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners, the VSHORADS is a Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD). The missile incorporates advanced technologies, including a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, both successfully validated during the tests. Propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor, the missile is designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. Its optimized design ensures easy portability.

The flight tests were witnessed by officials from the Indian Army, senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories, and industry partners. Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh extended congratulations to DRDO, the Indian Army, and the industry involved, emphasizing that this new missile, equipped with modern technologies, will provide a significant technological boost to the Armed Forces.

Secretary DD R&D and Chairman DRDO also commended the entire team involved in the design and development of the VSHORADS missile. The successful tests not only validate the capabilities of the system but also showcase India's prowess in developing indigenous defence technologies. The VSHORADS is expected to enhance the country's air defence capabilities, offering a robust solution to counter evolving threats in modern warfare scenarios.