Description

Sources: PIB

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three consecutive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) off the Chandipur Coast, Odisha. These trials were focused on testing the missile’s ability to intercept low-flying, high-speed aerial threats, such as drones, at varying flight conditions.

Key Points of the Flight Trials

Location of Trials	Chandipur, Odisha (off the coast)
System	VSHORADS – Very Short-Range Air Defence System (Man Portable Air Defence System)
Type of Targets	High-speed, low-altitude targets, low-flying drones
Missile Performance	Successful interception and destruction of targets during all 3 trials
Flight Data Captured	Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS), Radar
Flight Conditions	Tests were conducted under real-world operational conditions with two field operators
Deployment Configuration	Final deployment configuration (ready for operational use)
Missile's Target Neutralization	Drones and other low-flying aerial threats

Data from the trials, including telemetry and radar tracking, confirmed that the VSHORADS missile system has pinpoint accuracy and can reliably counter various aerial threats in real-world combat scenarios.

Significance of the VSHORADS System

Factor	Significance
Versatility	The system is suitable for use by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, providing broad operational capabilities.
Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)	Developed indigenously, reducing dependence on foreign defense imports and contributing to national security.
Countering Modern Aerial Threats	Designed to neutralize drones and low-altitude aircraft, which are increasingly posing security risks globally.
Enhanced Defense Capabilities	Strengthens India’s defense modernization by providing a cost-effective, highly mobile air defense solution.

Conclusion

The VSHORADS system’s successful flight trials mark a critical step forward in enhancing India’s defense capabilities, especially in the domain of low-flying aerial threats like drones. The system’s indigenous development, pinpoint accuracy, and multi-service applicability make it a key asset for the Indian Armed Forces. This success underscores India’s growing self-reliance in cutting-edge defense technology and supports the nation’s commitment to enhancing its security and defense autonomy.

Sources: PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.With reference to the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), consider the following statements:

The VSHORADS system is designed to intercept low-flying drones and high-speed aerial threats.
The system has been developed by an IRAN defense agency and is ready for deployment by the IRAN Armed Forces.
The VSHORADS system has undergone successful flight trials under real-world operational conditions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
The VSHORADS is designed to counter low-flying drones and high-speed aerial threats, enhancing India's ability to neutralize modern aerial threats.
Statement 2 is incorrect
The VSHORADS system was developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), not by a IRAN agency.
Statement 3 is correct
The system has undergone successful flight trials, confirming its performance under real-world operational conditions.