Chandipur, Odisha: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three consecutive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. These trials were aimed at revalidating the missile system’s capability to neutralize high-speed aerial threats across varying speeds, ranges, and altitudes.
Multiple Successful Flight Trials
During the tests, the VSHORADS missiles intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets simulating enemy aircraft under diverse threat scenarios. The trials were executed in final deployment configuration, with field operators managing target acquisition and missile firing, demonstrating the system’s operational readiness.
The flight data recorded through advanced instrumentation, including Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking Systems, and Radars, confirmed the effectiveness of VSHORADS in neutralizing a wide spectrum of aerial threats. These trials were witnessed by representatives of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with senior DRDO officials and industry partners involved in the system’s development.
Indigenous Development and Strategic Importance
The VSHORADS is a man-portable air defence system, indigenously designed and developed by Research Center Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and development-cum-production partners. The system is intended to fulfill the short-range air defence requirements of all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
By successfully neutralizing high-speed aerial threats in varying operational scenarios, VSHORADS reinforces India’s capabilities in self-reliant defence manufacturing and strengthens the nation’s strategic deterrence.
Government Appreciation
Raksha Mantri Mr. Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, Armed Forces, and industry partners on the successful flight-tests. He noted that the three consecutive successful trials mark a significant milestone and expressed confidence that the system will soon be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces.
Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, lauded the DRDO team, armed forces, and industry collaborators for their dedicated efforts in the design, development, and successful validation of the VSHORADS system.
Future Induction and Impact
The successful trials of VSHORADS pave the way for its early induction into the Armed Forces, enhancing India’s short-range air defence capabilities. This indigenous missile system is expected to provide quick-response, portable, and reliable protection against aerial threats, significantly boosting operational readiness and national security.
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