India’s Infrared Shield: Next-Gen VSHORADS to Change the Air Defence Game

Image Source: The Hindu Business line

In a giant step for India's front line defence, the Ministry of Defence has approved procurement of state-of-the-art, indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS-NG), based on high-tech infrared-guided missile technology.

Highlights:

The Army will buy 48 launchers, 85 missiles, 48 night sights, and a test station for the missile, all under the 'Buy (Indian)' initiative-promoting self-reliance and domestic industry.

These new VSHORADS are shoulder-fired, man-portable systems for quick deployment on India's varied terrain-from high-altitude borders to deserts and coastal areas.

Equipped with fire-and-forget infrared homing, the missiles can target and destroy hostile aircraft, helicopters, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles during the day or at night, in any weather-including snow-covered and high-altitude regions.

The system provides a strike distance of up to 6 km and can target aerial objects up to 3.5 km high, creating a killing cover for soldiers and sensitive installations.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has tested the indigenously developed system successfully, setting a milestone for India's efforts to upgrade outdated Russian Igla systems with local technology.

This decision is made in the wake of escalating aerial threats, such as sophisticated drones in the country, and highlights India's determination to upgrade its air defence system for the future.

With this aggressive move, India's military forces will be empowered with a quicker, more intelligent, and more responsive last line of defense-making the country's skies safe.

Sources: The New Indian Express, Economic Times, OpIndia