In a significant milestone, DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of the indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on February 28 and 29 from a ground-based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) stated that these tests were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios. During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives.
.@DRDO_India successfully flight tests Very Short Range Air Defence System
These tests were carried out against high speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios.
Read more: https://t.co/K9b8WI4WY8
— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 29, 2024
VSHORADS: The cutting-edge MANPADS
The VSHORADS is a Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) indigenously designed and developed by DRDO, incorporating many innovative technologies, including a dual thrust solid rocket motor, miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS), and an Imaging Infrared Seeker (IIR), all of which have been proven during flight tests.
The dual thrust solid rocket motor provides the missile with two levels of thrust: high and low. The high thrust enables rapid acceleration of the missile from the launcher, facilitating its swift approach to the target. This initial burst of speed enhances the missile’s capability to engage fast-moving or distant targets effectively. Meanwhile, the low thrust allows the missile to lower its speed to accurately track and manoeuvre towards the targets, increasing manoeuvrability and the probability of interception.
By optimising thrusts in different phases of the flight, this technology enhances missile range, manoeuvrability, and overall efficiency.
While VSHORADS is equipped with four control fins and four body wings, it also features a miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) to enhance its manoeuvrability. RCS is primarily used in exoatmospheric ballistic missile interceptors because control fins are ineffective in space due to the absence of air. The RCS controls the missile’s stability, orientation, and manoeuvrability through thrusters. In addition to the control kit, RCS significantly enhances VSHORADS’ ability to chase and intercept high-manoeuvring targets.
VSHORADS is also equipped with a state-of-the-art Imaging Infrared Seeker (IIR) to enhance its ability to discriminate between targets and decoys as the IIR provides high-resolution images, surpassing the capabilities of standard infrared seekers commonly used in MANPADS and other short-range missiles.
With these three cutting-edge technologies, the Indigenous VSHORADS surpasses many MANPADS available in the global market.
Role of MANPADS in conflicts
Given that enemy aircraft and drones fly low to evade radar detection and drop bombs and rockets on military installations, MANPADS play a significant role against these low-flying targets, altering enemy tactics and operations, and thus denying enemy air superiority in dense zones.
When the Russia-Ukraine war began, the US and European Union provided thousands of Stinger missiles to Ukraine. The Russian Aerospace Forces suffered losses in aircraft and helicopters, with more losses attributed to MANPADS than to air defence systems.
VSHORADS user trials
In January, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AON) for the procurement of VSHORADS for the Indian Army. According to the DRDO chief, in a recent interview with ANI, the system is expected to be ready for user trials by June this year.
Given that MANPADS can be quickly deployed in rugged terrains, VSHORADS strengthen Indian air defence forces’ combat readiness along the northern borders.
Conclusion
With another round of flight tests, the system is gearing towards user trials. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies tailored to the requirements of the Indian forces along the northern borders, VSHORADS will significantly enhance Indian air defence capabilities.
Also read: Russia successfully tests S-500 system against hypersonic missile
