Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
During all the three flight-tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the high-speed targets flying at very low altitude.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Very Short-Range Air Defence System; MANPADS
About VSHORADS Missile System:
- VSHORADS (Very Short-Range Air Defence System) is a fourth generation technically-advanced miniaturised Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD).
Indigenously developed by: DRDO’s Hyderabad-based premier facility Research Centre Imarat (RCI), in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.
Key Features
- Range:
- Interception Range: up to 6 kms
- Limiting altitude of effective target destruction: 3.5 km
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.5
- The missile is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor that incorporates many technologies including:
- dual-band Imaging Infra-Red Seeker
- miniaturised Reaction Control System (to increase mid-air manoeuvrability)
- integrated avionics.
- The design focuses on portability and ease of control.
Utility
- Can neutralise low altitude aerial threats like drones and high-speed targets at short range.
- Hit-to-kill capability in various target engagement scenarios covering approaching, receding and crossing modes.
Significance
- Being man-portable and lightweight compared to the other missile systems, it can be deployed quickly in rugged and hilly terrain and maritime domain.
- The Air Defence weapon system has the capability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the armed forces — Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
- It marks a pivotal shift in India's air defence strategy, aimed at replacing aging systems like the Igla missile system acquired in 1980s, which is not well suited for evolving modern threats.
- Underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology and manufacturing.
What are MANPADS?
- Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) are short-range, lightweight and portable surface-to-air missiles.
- They can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy aircraft or helicopters.
- They are fitted with infrared (IR) seekers that identify and target the airborne vehicle through heat radiation being emitted by the latter.
- They have ‘fire and forget’ guidance systems i.e., the operator is not required to guide the missile to its target, enabling them to run and relocate immediately after firing.
- They shield troops from aerial attacks and are most effective in targeting low-flying aircraft.
Also Read: Igla-S air defence system