Very Short Range Air Defence System - Man Portable Air Defence System

Why is in news? DRDO conducts successful tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System Missiles

DRDO conducted two successful test flight of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on 27 Sep 2022 from a ground based portable launcher at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.

VSHORADS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests.

The missile, meant for neutralizing low altitude aerial threats at short ranges is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor.

The design of the missile including launcher has been highly optimized to ensure easy portability. Both the flight tests have completely met the mission objectives.

MANPADS: Are short-range, lightweight and portable surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy aircraft or helicopters.

They help shield troops from aerial attacks and are most effective in targeting low-flying aircrafts.

MANPATs or Man-Portable Anti-Tank Systems work in a similar manner but are used to destroy or incapacitate military tanks.

MANPADS have a maximum range of 8 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of 4.5 km.

They can be shoulder-fired, launched from atop a ground-vehicle, fired from a tripod or stand, and from a helicopter or boat.

The first MANPADS were introduced by the United States and Soviet Union in the 1960s.

Countries such as Pakistan, Germany, UK, Turkey and Israel have also used MANPADS in their defence efforts.