India successfully tests VSHORADS air defense system against UAV targets

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted two successful flight tests of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile. The tests, on February 28 and 29, were conducted from a ground based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. 

The tests were carried out against high speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios. India’s Ministry of Defence reports that during all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners. VSHORADAS includes a miniaturised Reaction Control System and integrated avionics which have been successfully proven during the tests. The missile is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor and is designed for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges. The flight test was witnessed by officials of the Indian Army, senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories and Industry Partners.