SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy has embarked on a collaborative journey with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to develop a Navy-specific variant of the Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORAD). This initiative seeks to equip smaller and medium-sized warships with an effective and relatively low-cost defence mechanism against a diverse array of aerial and surface threats.
The development of a Navy-specific VSHORAD system is a strategic move that acknowledges the evolving nature of threats in the air and on the water’s surface. With the ability to provide an additional layer of defence, this system promises to be a significant asset in the Navy’s arsenal.
One of the other noteworthy features of the Navy’s vision is the exploration of utilizing and arming the VSHORAD system also on the Medium-range Autonomous Drone System (MADS) Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) to establish a persistent anti-air and anti-surface maritime defence capability.
The VSHORAD system, at its core, is designed as a surface-to-air defence mechanism. However, its adaptability allows it to target a range of threats, including lower infrared signature targets such as drones and small boats. This versatility makes it a formidable tool in the Navy’s efforts to safeguard its interests in the maritime domain.
VSHORAD system was primarily developed based on the requirements of the Indian Army due to changing dynamics along India’s Northern borders. Recent developments have underscored the need for robust air defence systems that are not only effective but also deployable quickly, both in rugged terrains and the maritime environment.
The Indian Army has expressed a substantial requirement for VSHORAD systems, and with further trials, these systems are poised to gain clearance for production to cater to the Army’s needs.
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