Recently, DRDO successfully conducted three flight-tests of the 4th Generation, technically-advanced miniaturised VSHORADS at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

About Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• The 4th Generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats.
• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Key Features of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• Range: Effective up to 6 km.
• Seeker: Equipped with a dual-band Infrared Imaging (IIR) seeker for precise target tracking.
• Propulsion: Uses a dual-thrust solid motor for enhanced performance.
• Miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS): Ensures improved manoeuvrability during flight.
• Portable Design: Lightweight, allowing for quick deployment in difficult terrains.
• Engagement Scenarios: Demonstrates hit-to-kill capability in various scenarios, including approaching, receding, and crossing aerial threats.

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Significance in Security

• Provides short-range air defence to protect ground forces and critical assets against helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
• Enhances India’s self-reliance under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative by involving Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) for rapid production.
• Contributes to the modernization of India’s armed forces, equipping them with state-of-the-art technology for better defence against aerial threats.