Context:
Recently, DRDO successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th generation technically advanced miniaturised Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
More on the News
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three flight-tests of VSHORADS at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 03 & 04, 2024.
- The tests mark the completion of the development trials, thus paving the way for early User trials and production in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
- The tests were carried out against high-speed target, demonstrating very critical parameters of maximum range and maximum altitude interception.
- These development trials showcased the repeatability of hit-to-kill capability of the weapon system.
About VSHORADS
VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS), designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is a premier laboratory of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO.
- The missile is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor and is meant for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
- The VSHORADAS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics.
- The VSHORAD is a critical requirement for the Indian Army which has attempted to replace the legacy Igla systems for some time.
Igla System
- It is a Russian hand-held defence system that can be operated by an individual or crew.
- It is designed to bring down low-flying aircraft and can also identify and neutralise air targets such as cruise missiles and drones.
- The Igla-S can engage targets within a range of 5,000 meters and an altitude of 3,500 meters.
- It also has night vision capability for low-light operations.