DRDO Achieves Milestone: Successfully Completes Trials of 4th Gen Mini VSHORAD System

After three successful consecutive flight tests at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced on October 5 that the development trials of the ingeniously designed 4th Generation Miniaturized Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) had come to an end.

Tests were conducted against fast-moving targets on October 3 and 4, showcasing crucial metrics related to maximum range and altitude interception.

What is VSHORAD?

VSHORADS is a fourth-generation portable missile system intended to defend against close-quarters aerial attacks. The five to twenty km range of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) is designed to counter low-flying threats such as drones and aircraft. It tracks and hits targets using surface-to-air missiles guided by radar, infrared, or optical technologies. 

VSHORADS is becoming increasingly relevant in modern warfare because of the rising usage of drones. These systems are frequently positioned near military bases, borders, and other key regions for defense.

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VSHORAD’s “Hit-to-Kill” Capability

The tests' primary goal was to evaluate the VSHORADS's functionality, particularly its capacity to:

• To intercept targets at the maximum altitude and range
• Operate efficiently in a variety of combat scenarios against swift aerial threats.

With remarkable accuracy, the missile system demonstrated its dependability in a range of combat scenarios.

One significant characteristic of VSHORADS is its “hit-to-kill” capabilities. This implies that the missile is not limited to merely damaging the target—it is capable of truly destroying it. The testing verified that it could strike targets that were approaching, retreating, or even moving sideways, demonstrating its versatility and dependability in a variety of situations.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO and its partners for the successful testing, underlining the system’s importance for the country’s defense. Dr. Samir V Kamat, the chairman of DRDO, praised the team's work and described the tests as a significant turning point for Indian defense technology.

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