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DRDO Achieves Major Milestone
India’s defence capabilities received a major boost after the successful testing of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three flight tests at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 3 and 4, 2024. These tests are a significant achievement in India’s ongoing efforts to improve its air defence systems.
Targeting low-flying aerial threats like drones, helicopters, and aircraft is the goal of the VSHORADS system. It is a man-portable air defense system, meaning soldiers can carry and operate it easily in the field. This new system is a key part of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, which aims to make the country self-reliant in defence technology.
Advanced Technology on Display
DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), along with other DRDO labs and private industry partners, conducted the tests. By demonstrating the VSHORADS missile’s ability to intercept high-speed aerial targets. The system successfully engaged targets in different scenarios, including approaching, receding, and crossing modes. This demonstrates the system’s adaptability and dependability in a range of combat scenarios.
The missile system’s precision, highlighted by its “hit-to-kill” capability, caught the attention of defence experts. This feature ensures that the missile accurately hits its target, increasing the system’s effectiveness against modern aerial threats.
VSHORADS Mass Production to Begin Soon
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that two production agencies are already working with DRDO under the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode. The missiles used during the tests were developed through this collaboration. With these successful trials, early user trials and mass production are expected to follow shortly.
Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing
The VSHORADS missile system is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign imports and boost domestic production of defence equipment. By involving private industry in the development and manufacturing processes, India is working towards becoming more self-sufficient in critical defence technologies.
This is particularly important as India continues to modernise its military infrastructure. The VSHORADS missile will eventually replace older systems, such as the Russian-made Igla, which have become outdated in the face of new aerial threats.
Strengthening India’s Air Defence
The main advantage of the VSHORADS system is its ability to provide air defence cover for troops on the ground. The missile’s man-portable design makes it highly useful for soldiers in the field, especially in remote or hostile environments. Its advanced targeting and interception capabilities offer a flexible solution to counter aerial threats, ensuring the safety of ground forces.
The trials successfully proved the missile system’s modern technology. Including a miniaturised reaction control system (RCS) and integrated avionics. This showcases the system’s status as a cutting-edge defence tool.
Addressing National Security Concerns
With tensions rising in various regions, including India’s borders, having an advanced air defence system is critical for national security. The successful testing of the VSHORADS missile system is a significant step in ensuring that India’s armed forces are well-prepared to handle emerging threats from the air.
As India continues to modernise its defence infrastructure, the deployment of such systems will play a key role in protecting the country’s borders and safeguarding national interests.
Collaboration with Industry
The development of the VSHORADS missile system has been a collaborative effort involving various DRDO labs and private industry partners. This partnership approach is a core part of India’s strategy to involve the private sector in defence production.
By leveraging the expertise of both government research bodies and private companies, India is making strides in creating high-quality defence equipment that can compete with foreign technologies. The successful tests of the VSHORADS system are a prime example of this collaboration bearing fruit.
VSHORADS: Replacing Outdated Systems
One of the main reasons for developing the VSHORADS system was the need to replace the aging Russian Igla systems currently in use by the Indian Army. The Igla, while still effective, is becoming outdated in the face of advancing aerial threat technologies.
The new VSHORADS system offers a significant technological upgrade, providing modern targeting and interception capabilities. This ensures that the Indian armed forces remain well-equipped to deal with evolving threats in a fast-changing global environment.
Focus on Rapid Deployment
The successful tests at Pokhran pave the way for early user trials and mass production of the VSHORADS missile system. Once production begins, the system is expected to be rapidly deployed to support India’s air defence units.
The Ministry of Defence has highlighted the importance of completing user trials as soon as possible to meet the growing demand for advanced air defence systems. The production of the VSHORADS system is expected to begin soon, ensuring that India’s armed forces receive the latest defence technologies without delay.
A Key Player in the Indo-Pacific Region
The successful testing of the VSHORADS missile system also comes at a time when India is asserting its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s advances in defence are consistent with its overarching objectives of fostering peace in the region and guaranteeing maritime security.
By developing and deploying cutting-edge defence technologies, India is not only strengthening its national security but also contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
VSHORADS: A significant achievement
India’s successful flight tests of the VSHORADS missile system mark a significant achievement in its defence modernisation efforts. The new missile system, designed to intercept low-altitude aerial threats. This showcases advanced technologies and offers a much-needed upgrade to India’s air defence capabilities. Private industry’s involvement and India’s focus on self-reliance are positioning the country to lead in developing defence technology.