India successfully test fires 3 short-range air defence missiles at Pokhran

India has successfully conducted three flight tests of the indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles at the Pokhran firing ranges in Rajasthan, marking a significant achievement in the country’s defense capabilities.

The tests, carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), were part of development trials aimed at enhancing the Indian Armed Forces’ ability to counter aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and other short-range targets.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the successful trials, congratulating the DRDO, the Indian Army, and the industry partners involved in the project. He highlighted that the new missile system, equipped with modern technologies, will provide a technological edge to the armed forces in defending against aerial threats.

“The DRDO has successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th Generation, advanced miniaturised weapon system VSHORADS from Pokhran,” the Defence Minister’s office said. “This marks a significant milestone in boosting India’s defense capabilities.”

The VSHORADS missiles, which have been under development for several years, are seen as a critical addition to India’s defense arsenal. Currently, the Indian Armed Forces rely on Russian Igla missiles for short-range air defense, but the need for modernization has been felt for over a decade. The VSHORADS system is expected to fulfill this gap, offering an advanced, homegrown solution.

Two private companies have been key development and production partners in the VSHORADS project, reflecting the increasing role of India’s defense industry in indigenous defense technology development.

This achievement comes on the heels of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi, where he reiterated India’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and promoting regional cooperation.

Singh underscored India’s role as a “credible and preferred security partner and first responder” in the Indo-Pacific, while emphasizing the country’s vision for sustainable development, economic growth, and collective security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.