India's DRDO flight-tests fourth-generation very short-range air defence system in Rajasthan's Pokhran

"The tests were carried out against high-speed target, demonstrating very critical parameters of maximum range and maximum altitude interception," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

These development trials showcased repeatability of hit-to-kill capability of the weapon system in various target engagement scenarios covering approaching, receding and crossing modes.

The development of VSHORADS missiles has been completed and two production agencies have been engaged in the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode.

In these trials, the missiles realised through DcPPs have been successfully used, thus paving the way for early User trials and Production in a short time span in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and DcPPs.

The three Services have been associated with the project right from the beginning and participated during the developmental trials.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces and the Industry involved in the successful development trials.

This new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces against aerial threats, he said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat also congratulated the DRDO team, industry partners and users for the successful flight-tests.