DRDO Odisha conducts successful VSHORADS Flight Trials

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three flight-trials. These trials were of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). They occurred from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. These tests were carried out against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude. During all the three flight-tests, the missiles intercepted the targets. They completely destroyed targets which had reduced thermal signatures. These signatures mimicked low-flying drones in different flying conditions. The flight-tests were conducted in the final deployment configuration. Two field operators executed weapon readiness. They carried out target acquisition and executed missile firing.

The flight data came from various range instruments like Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System, and Radar. They were deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. This data confirmed the pin-point accuracy. This data established the unique ability of the VSHORADS missile system in neutralizing drones. It also addresses other classes of aerial threats. The flight-tests were observed by senior officials of DRDO, Armed Forces and development and production partners.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence system. It is designed and developed indigenously by Research Center Imarat. The development is in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners. The missile system has the ability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the Armed Forces, viz. Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces, and the industries for the successful flight tests. He termed it as a great success.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, is also the Chairman of DRDO. He congratulated the entire DRDO team. He also extended his congratulations to the users and the industry partners.