DRDO Achieves Milestone with Successful Triple Test of Indigenous VSHORADS Air Defence System

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a milestone with the successful execution of three consecutive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, located on the coast of Odisha. These trials were aimed at reaffirming the system’s performance, showcasing the missile’s effectiveness in neutralizing high-speed aerial threats at various speeds, ranges, and altitudes.

Throughout the three flight tests, VSHORADS missiles effectively intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets simulating enemy aircraft under different threat scenarios. The system met all demanding operational parameters, demonstrating its efficiency at multiple engagement points. Significantly, the tests were conducted in the final deployment configuration with field operators handling target acquisition and missile launch, highlighting the system's operational capability.

The precision and reliability of the missile against a wide array of aerial threats were confirmed by data collected using advanced range instrumentation, such as Telemetry systems, Electro-Optical Tracking Systems, and radars at ITR Chandipur. Representatives of the Joint Forces, along with senior officials from DRDO and its development-cum-production partners, observed the user validation trials.

VSHORADS is an indigenously designed and developed Man-Portable Air Defence System, created by Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners. The system is designed to fulfill the operational needs of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, bolstering India's short-range air defence capabilities.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industry partners for the successful completion of the flight tests. He recognized the achievement of three consecutive successful trials as a significant milestone and expressed confidence that the system would soon be integrated into the Armed Forces.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, also commended the DRDO team, the Armed Forces, and the industry partners involved in the system’s design, development, and testing, emphasizing their collective contribution to strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.