India test-fires very short-range air-defence system

VSHORADS – pictured above from a DRDO test in March 2023 – is a tripod-launched missile system designed to strike moving aerial targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. (DRDO)

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) test-fired two of its very short-range air-defence system (VSHORADS) missiles from a ground-based portable launcher, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a press release on 29 February.

The tests were conducted on 28 and 29 February from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, the MoD said.

“These tests were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios. During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives,” the MoD added.

A DRDO official told Janes on 1 March that the tests were a part of the developmental process of the missiles.

“The user trials [of the missiles] with the Indian Army are expected to start from late June or early July and after the user trials [are] completed, the army will place an order for VSHORADS. It may take nearly three years to complete the user trials and contract award [for the supply of the systems],” the DRDO official said.

India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of VSHORADS missiles for the Indian Army in January 2023.

According to the MoD, VSHORADS is a manportable air-defence system (MANPADS) meant to neutralise low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges.

The MoD said VSHORADS is designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.