The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted three successful flight tests of the miniaturized Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 3 and 4, 2024. The tests involved intercepting high-speed targets at maximum range and altitude, demonstrating the weapon system’s capability to engage targets in multiple scenarios, including approaching, receding, and crossing modes.
These trials were part of the final development phase of the VSHORADS missiles, which are now ready for user trials. Two production agencies have been selected as part of the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode, and the missiles tested were produced through these partnerships. DRDO’s aim is to proceed with user trials and move into production in a short timeframe.
VSHORADS is a man-portable air defense system developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and industrial partners. The three armed services have been involved in the project from its inception and participated in the development trials.
According to a press release issued by DRDO, officials expressed satisfaction with the trials and emphasized the technological advancements of the system. Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat also acknowledged the contributions of the teams involved in the successful tests.