DRDO Developing Shoulder-Launched VSHORADS

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation is developing a shoulder-launched version of the Very Short Range Air Defence System after the successful testing of its tripod-mounted variant. The lightweight air defence weapon is designed mainly for infantry units so that soldiers can easily carry and operate it during combat situations.

The portable missile system is expected to weigh around 15 to 18 kilograms and will likely have a strike range of nearly six kilometres with the ability to engage targets up to 3.5 kilometres in altitude. Developed under the leadership of Research Centre Imarat, the indigenous system is designed to destroy drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft. Once deployed, it is expected to strengthen India’s air defence capabilities and compete with global systems such as FIM-92 Stinger and Igla-S.