New Delhi: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three successive flight trials of the indigenously developed Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. The tests, carried out on Saturday, involved high-speed targets flying at extremely low altitudes, including reduced thermal signature targets mimicking low-flying drones.
DRDO shared a video of the test on social media platform X, with the caption: “Three consecutive trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) was successfully carried out against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude. During flight-tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the targets.”
Three consecutive trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) was successfully carried out against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude. During flight-tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the targets pic.twitter.com/OrNVPPP2vx
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) February 1, 2025
Missiles successfully intercepted and completely destroyed the targets
During all three trials, the missiles successfully intercepted and completely destroyed the targets, demonstrating the system’s precision in real-time operational conditions. The flight data, gathered from advanced range instruments such as Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking Systems, and Radar, confirmed the VSHORADS missile system’s accuracy and capability to neutralize various aerial threats, particularly drones.
“During all three flight tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the targets, having reduced thermal signature mimicking low flying drones at different flying conditions. The flight tests were carried out in final deployment configuration wherein two field operators carried out weapon readiness, target acquisition and missile firing,” a statement from DRDO read.
Tests were conducted in final deployment configuration
The tests were conducted in the final deployment configuration of the VSHORADS, where two field operators were responsible for target acquisition, weapon readiness, and missile firing. The successful trials were witnessed by senior officials from DRDO, Armed Forces, and development and production partners.
VSHORADS, a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS), was developed by the DRDO’s Research Center Imarat in collaboration with other laboratories and development partners. It is designed to meet the air defense needs of all three branches of the Armed Forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Congratulating the DRDO team, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh hailed the flight trials as a terming it as a great success.
