Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shortlisted two private firms—Adani Defence Aerospace and Icomm Ltd—for the development and production of a fourth-generation advanced miniaturised Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) meant to neutralise low-altitude aerial threats, including drones.

The decision follows three successful flight tests of the  VSHORADS, a man-potable air defence system, at the Pokhran field firing ranges in Rajasthan over two days from October 3. The previous test of the missile, propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor, was held in February this year.

The tests were carried out against a high-speed target, demonstrating very critical parameters of maximum range and maximum altitude interception, said the DRDO. 

“These development trials showcased repeatability of hit-to-kill capability of the weapon system in various target engagement scenarios covering approaching, receding and crossing modes,” said the government’s premier R&D agency in a statement on Saturday.

The development of VSHORADS missiles has been completed, and two production agencies -- Icomm Ltd and Adani Defence & Aerospace-- have been engaged in the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode, said DRDO sources.

The missiles realised through DcPPs have been successfully used in these trials, thus paving the way for early user trials and production in a short time span, in line with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, stated the DRDO.

VSHORADS is designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and DcPPs. 

The three Services—the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and India Navy—have been associated with the project from the beginning and participated in the developmental trials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, armed forces and the industry involved in the successful development trials. 

He said this new missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give the Armed Forces a further technological boost against aerial threats.

Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO Samir V Kamat also congratulated the DRDO team, industry partners, and users on the successful flight tests.

Published on October 5, 2024