Very Short Range Air Defence Systems

VERY SHORT RANGE AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS

Overview

• On 1st February 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) off the coast of Odisha, at Chandipur.
• These trials marked a significant milestone in the development of an indigenous air defence system designed to counter threats from aerial targets, particularly low-flying drones.

FLIGHT TRIALS & OBJECTIVES

• The flight trials were aimed at testing the VSHORADS missile system against high-speed targets flying at very low altitudes, simulating the characteristics of low-flying drones.
• The primary objective was to demonstrate the system’s capability to intercept and destroy targets with reduced thermal signatures.
• The system successfully neutralized drones and other aerial threats under varying flight conditions.

The trials were conducted in the final deployment configuration, with two field operators responsible for:

• Weapon readiness
• Missile firing
• Target acquisition

This configuration ensures that the system is ready for deployment in real-world operational

environments.

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE FLIGHT TRIAL

• Success of All Three Tests: In all three trials, the VSHORADS missile intercepted and completely destroyed the targets.
• Pinpoint Accuracy: The trials demonstrated the system’s precision in engaging low-flying aerial threats.
• Data Capture and Analysis: Various range instruments such as Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS), and Radar were deployed at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, to capture flight data.
• The captured data confirmed the accuracy of the missile system, establishing its unique capability to neutralize drones and other aerial threats in different flight conditions.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

• VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) that has been indigenously developed by Research Center Imarat (RCI), with collaboration from other DRDO laboratories and development partners.
• The system is designed to provide air defence for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force against a wide range of aerial threats, especially those coming at low altitudes.
• The system is lightweight, portable, and capable of being operated by a single soldier, making it effective in close-range defence

SIGNIFICANCE & STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

• Counter to Drone Threats: The successful trials have validated the system’s ability to counter the growing threat of low-flying drones, a concern that is becoming increasingly important in modern warfare.
• Indigenous Defence Capability: The development of VSHORADS is a step toward enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence technology under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat”
• The system strengthens the air defence capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces and is critical in providing close-in protection against a variety of aerial threats.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

• The successful trials pave the way for operational induction of VSHORADS into the Indian Armed Forces.
• With further refinement and integration, the missile system is expected to be a critical asset in India’s air defence strategy, particularly in dealing with new-age threats such as drones, loitering munitions, and other low-flying aerial targets.

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