Successful Flight Trials of VSHORADS Missile System Conducted Near Odisha Coast
Successful Flight Tests of VSHORADS
Three successful flight tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) were conducted near Chandipur, close to the Odisha coast, as announced by the Ministry of Defence on Friday. These tests aimed to validate the missile system's ability to neutralize high-speed threats at various speeds, distances, and altitudes.
Rapid Response Against Enemy Aircraft
According to the Ministry of Defence, these trials were designed to reaffirm the capabilities of the VSHORADS missile system. This system is engineered to counter high-speed threats flying at different speeds, ranges, and altitudes.
Precision Targeting Achieved
Accurate Targeting: During the tests, the missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets simulating enemy aircraft.
Final Configuration Testing
Final Configuration Testing: The trials were conducted in the final deployment configuration intended for military use, with target acquisition and missile launch executed directly by field operators.
Features of VSHORADS
Portable System: This is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) that can be easily transported by soldiers from one location to another.
Indigenous Technology: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with various labs and Indian industry partners, it showcases indigenous technology.
Multi-Dimensional Security: The system is capable of destroying low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
Accurate Data: Telemetry, electro-optical tracking systems, and radar deployed at the Chandipur range confirmed the missile's effectiveness during the tests.
Official Statements and Future Prospects
The Ministry stated, "Throughout all flight tests, the missiles intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets mimicking enemy aircraft under various threat scenarios, successfully completing all extreme engagement points." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, armed forces, and industry for the successful flight tests of the missile system.
He noted that the three consecutive flight trials of VSHORADS represent a significant achievement, and the system is expected to be inducted into the armed forces soon.
The ministry added, "Flight data captured by various range instruments, including telemetry, electro-optical tracking systems, and radar deployed at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, validated the effectiveness of VSHORADS against a variety of aerial threats."
These user validation flight trials were conducted in the presence of representatives from the armed forces, as well as senior officials from DRDO and development partners.
Official Announcement
The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted three successive flight trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) February 27, 2026
These tests were carried out to revalidate the capability of VSHORADS missile system… pic.twitter.com/5dtAb45MHG