DRDO successfully tests the 4th Gen Air Defence System in Pokhran

At Pokhran on October 3 and 4, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out three flight tests of the fourth generation, technically sophisticated miniaturized Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).

The experiments were conducted against a fast-moving target, highlighting the crucial interception parameters of maximum range and maximum altitude. These experimental tests demonstrated the weapon system’s repeatable hit-to-kill performance in a range of target engagement situations, including approaching, retreating, and crossing modes.

Two production agencies have been working together in the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) manner to complete the development of VSHORADS missiles. The successful usage of the missiles made possible by DcPPs in these testing has opened the door for early user trials and production in a short amount of time, in keeping with the government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

Developed in-house by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in association with other DRDO laboratories and DcPPs, VSHORADS is a man-portable air defense system. The trio of services has been involved in the project since its inception, taking part in its developmental experiments.

Rajnath Singh, the minister of defense, has commended the military, the industry, and DRDO for the successful development trials. According to him, the military will benefit further from this new missile’s cutting-edge technology in their fight against aerial threats.

Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the DRDO and Secretary of Defense R&D, also complimented the users, industrial partners, and DRDO team on the successful flight testing.

The missiles, which have been in development for a few years, are anticipated to fulfill the forces’ essential need to attack enemy aircraft, drones, and other aerial targets at close range.

The military’ needs are met by Russian Igla missiles, although they have been feeling the need to update their stock for more than ten years.

Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi, reaffirmed India’s support for a peaceful settlement to issues and has attempted to foster collaboration among states in the Indo-Pacific.

“India, with a strong focus on the role of ASEAN in promoting regional discourse, stability, and collective progress, has constantly advocated for a peaceful resolution to issues and has worked to promote collaboration among nations in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

India’s dedication to guaranteeing the security and safety of the crucial international marine routes was emphasized by Rajnath Singh.