Indian forces might soon have access to a revolutionary air defence weapon. According to a senior defence official, the indigenously produced Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), which is capable of neutralising low-altitude threats at up to 6km, will be available for user trials in April-May.
Compared to the Indian military services' current Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), VSHORADS is a significant technological advancement. The official stated that its state-of-the-art uncooled imaging infrared seeker offers notable benefits.
Beyond its technological capabilities, VSHORADS offers a quick and affordable implementation option. It is readily deployable for close air defence of critical assets in both the marine and difficult-to-maneuver high-altitude domains.
The forthcoming user trial is a significant milestone for VSHORADS, possibly opening the door for its integration into the Indian arsenal. Should it be successful, it might completely transform air defence capabilities by giving soldiers a reliable and flexible tool to combat threats at low altitude.
