Defence Research and Development Organisation Successfully Conducts VSHORADS Flight Trials

New Delhi, February 27: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.

The trials were aimed at revalidating the missile system’s capability to neutralise high-speed aerial threats under varied operational conditions, including different speeds, ranges, and altitudes. According to official sources, all three missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets designed to mimic enemy aircraft in diverse threat scenarios.

The tests were conducted in final deployment configuration, with field operators carrying out target acquisition and missile firing procedures, reflecting real-time combat conditions. Flight performance data collected through telemetry systems, electro-optical tracking devices, and radars deployed at the Chandipur range confirmed the system’s precision and reliability across extreme engagement parameters.

The user validation trials were conducted in the presence of representatives from the Joint Forces, along with senior DRDO officials and development-cum-production partners.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners. The missile system is intended to meet the operational requirements of all three branches of the Armed Forces — the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force — enhancing India’s layered air defence architecture.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry partners on the successful trials. He described the three consecutive flight tests as a “major achievement” and expressed confidence that the system would soon be inducted into the armed forces.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also lauded the teams involved in the design, development, and testing of the missile system, highlighting the collaborative efforts of scientists, armed forces personnel, and industry stakeholders.

With the successful validation of VSHORADS, India moves a step closer to bolstering its short-range air defence shield through indigenous technological advancements under the broader vision of self-reliance in defence production.

Source: PIB.