India successfully conducted two tests of its indigenous man-portable air defense missile system, designed to target hostile aircraft, drones, and helicopters at very short ranges, on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out flight tests of the very short-range air defence system (VSHORADS) missiles, which have a range of up to 6 km, from a ground-based portable launcher at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.
According to an official statement, the tests were conducted against high-speed unmanned aerial targets in different interception scenarios. The missiles intercepted and destroyed the targets in all test flights, successfully meeting the mission objectives.
The VSHORADS system has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners. It incorporates various advanced technologies, including miniaturized reaction control systems and integrated avionics, which have been validated during the tests.
Propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor, the missile is designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. The design of the missile and launcher has been optimized for easy portability.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Army, and the industry involved in the successful development trials, stating that this new missile, equipped with modern technologies, will provide a technological boost to the armed forces.
In January last year, the defense acquisitions council, led by Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement of infrared homing VSHORADS missiles developed by DRDO at a cost of Rs 1,920 crore. Meanwhile, to address operational needs during the military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, the armed forces have procured a limited number of similar Russian systems. These include the Igla-S MANPADS, with the latest contract signed in May last year for 100 Igla-S missiles and 48 launchers. The Igla-S is an improved variant with an interception range of up to 6 km, compared to the older Igla-1M systems in use since 1989.