SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday successfully completed the development trials of its indigenously developed 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD). Conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, the trials saw three consecutive successful flight tests, marking a major milestone for India’s air defense capabilities.
The VSHORAD system, designed as a miniaturized man-portable air defense system (MANPADS), is the latest addition to India’s growing inventory of indigenous defense technologies. This 4th Generation missile system is developed to provide mobile, short-range air defense against aerial threats such as fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). DRDO’s achievement reflects its commitment to enhancing India’s defense self-reliance, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The new VSHORAD system offers substantial improvements over earlier versions, with advanced guidance systems, enhanced target acquisition, and superior tracking capabilities in all weather conditions. Equipped with a modern, dual-band infrared seeker and laser proximity fuse, the system is designed for use by infantry units and other mobile formations for quick reaction against aerial threats at low altitudes.
With the development trials now completed, the Indian Army is expected to commence user trials of the VSHORAD system in 2025. The Army has expressed a need for nearly 3,000 units of the VSHORAD system to bolster its ground-based air defense capabilities, especially in sensitive regions like the northern and western borders. These systems are vital for defending forward positions from aerial attacks, particularly in areas where mobility and rapid deployment are critical.
The Indian Army has long sought a modern VSHORAD system to replace its aging inventory of legacy systems like the Soviet-origin Igla-S. The DRDO-developed VSHORAD is expected to address the Army’s operational requirements for a system with improved accuracy, a faster reaction time, and the ability to engage multiple types of aerial threats.
To meet the Indian Army’s large-scale requirement for the VSHORAD system, DRDO has planned to engage two production partners in the program. This will help scale up production and ensure timely delivery of the missile systems once the user trials are completed and the system is officially inducted. It is expected that the production partners will include leading Indian defense manufacturers who will work alongside DRDO to build and deliver the required systems.
This multi-vendor production approach is a strategic move to ensure the efficient manufacturing of the VSHORAD systems while also fostering India’s defense industrial base. By involving private-sector defense companies, India aims to accelerate domestic defense production while promoting innovation and competition within the industry.
In an evolving global security landscape, mobile air defense systems like the VSHORAD are critical for protecting against low-flying aircraft, drones, and missiles that can pose a significant threat to ground forces. The Indian Army’s induction of the new VSHORAD system will provide frontline troops with a reliable and effective air defense solution that can be quickly deployed in various terrains, from mountainous regions to desert areas.
The VSHORAD system will also play a key role in countering the increasing use of drones and UAVs by adversaries. These threats have become more prevalent in modern conflicts, making it essential for armies to possess agile, portable, and accurate systems that can neutralize such aerial targets.
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