On Tuesday, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted two consecutive flight tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
The flight tests were conducted from a ground-based man-portable launcher against high-speed unmanned aerial targets, simulating approaching and receding aircraft, according to an official release.
All mission objectives were met by successfully intercepting the targets. VSHORADS is a MANPAD (Man Portable Air Defence System) designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It was designed and developed in-house by Hyderabad’s Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
Many novel technologies are used in the missile, including a dual-band IIR Seeker, a miniaturised Reaction Control System, and integrated avionics. A dual-thrust solid motor provides propulsion.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO and industry partners, saying the missile equipped with novel technologies will provide the Armed Forces with a technological boost.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the teams involved in the consecutive successful flight tests.
