On September 27, 2022, DRDO conducted two successful test flights of the Very Short Range Air Defense Missile (VSHORADS) from a land-portable launcher at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPAD) designed and developed directly by DRDO Research Center Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
The VSHORADS missile features many new technologies including a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics that have been successfully demonstrated during tests. Designed to neutralize aerial threats at low altitudes at short ranges, the missile is powered by a fixed twin-thrust engine. The design of the projectile, including the launcher, has been highly optimized to ensure easy portability. Both flight tests fully met the mission objectives.
Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh praised and appreciated the efforts of DRDO and industrial partners and said that this new missile equipped with modern technologies will provide additional technological boost to the armed forces. Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO congratulated the entire VSHORADS team for this tremendous achievement.