Context:

Recently, DRDO successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4^th generation technically advanced miniaturised Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). 

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• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three flight-tests of VSHORADS at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 03 & 04, 2024. 
• The tests mark the completion of the development trials, thus paving the way for early User trials and production in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. 
• The tests were carried out against high-speed target, demonstrating very critical parameters of maximum range and maximum altitude interception.
• These development trials showcased the repeatability of hit-to-kill capability of the weapon system.

About VSHORADS

      VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS), designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.

• Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is a premier laboratory of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO. 

     The missile is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor and is meant for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. 

     The VSHORADAS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics. 

     Indian Army is all set to begin receiving another set of Russian Igla-S very short-range air defence systems (VSHORAD), filling a critical void in its air defence requirement.

 Igla System 

• It is a Russian hand-held defence system that can be operated by an individual or crew.
• It is designed to bring down low-flying aircraft and can also identify and neutralise air targets such as cruise missiles and drones.
• The Igla-S can engage targets within a range of 5,000 meters and an altitude of 3,500 meters.
• It also has night vision capability for low-light operations.