Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) Missile System:
The Indian defence establishment recently initiated a tender for the procurement of 30 units of the indigenous Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile system.
- Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile system is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) specially designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats over short distances.
- These are short-range, lightweight, and portablesurface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or small groups.
- It has been designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
- The use of VSHORAD missiles in India is primarily by the Indian Army.
- It is designed to provide short-range air defence capabilities to protect ground forces and critical assets from aerial threats, including helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
- The missile incorporates many novel technologies, including a Dual-band IIR Seeker, a miniaturised Reaction Control System, and integrated avionics.
- It is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.
- The missile and its launcher were designed by the DRDO to be portable, which enables their quick deployment over difficult terrain.
