India Achieves Breakthrough in Air Defense with Successful VSHORADS Testing
New Delhi, October 5, 2024: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three flight-tests of the 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
The tests, carried out on October 3 and 4, demonstrated the system’s capability to intercept high-speed targets at maximum range and altitude. VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners (DcPPs).
The successful trials showcased the repeatability of the hit-to-kill capability of the weapon system in various target engagement scenarios. This achievement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense technology.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces, and industry partners on 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.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, commended the DRDO team, industry partners, and users for the successful flight-tests.
The VSHORADS development has been completed, and two production agencies have been engaged in the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode. The successful testing paves the way for early User trials and Production in a short time span.
This breakthrough enhances India’s defense capabilities, demonstrating its commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance in the defense sector.
