Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out three successive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. The tests revalidated the missile system’s ability to neutralise high-speed aerial threats across different speeds, ranges and altitudes. The trials were conducted in the final deployment configuration, with target acquisition and missile firing handled by field operators.
Key Features of the Trials
- The missiles intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets simulating enemy aircraft.
- The system met all extreme engagement points during the trials.
- The tests were designed to assess performance in multiple threat scenarios.
Role of Test Infrastructure
- Flight data was captured using telemetry, electro-optical tracking systems and radars.
- These instruments were deployed at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
- The collected data validated the system’s effectiveness against a wide range of aerial threats.
About VSHORADS
- VSHORADS is a man-portable air defence system.
- It has been indigenously designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat with other DRDO laboratories and development-cum-production partners.
- The system is intended for use by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Significance for Defence Capability
- The user validation trials were conducted with representatives of the Joint Forces and senior DRDO officials.
- The successful tests strengthen India’s short-range air defence capability.
- The system is expected to move closer to induction into the armed forces.