Categories: Defence

DAC Nod to VSHORAD Missile Systems Being Designed by DRDO

In an effort to shore up the air defence systems all along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) facing China, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the proposal for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO). In view of the recent developments along the Northern borders(China) there is a need to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon systems which are man portable and can be deployed quickly in rugged terrain and maritime domain. Procurement of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, will strengthen the Air Defence capabilities.

Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams

About The Timeline of This Procurement:

India has been in talks with Russia since 2018 to procure the Igla-S air defence missiles at a cost of $1.5 billion under the VSHORAD programme in a bid to replace the Russian Igla-M systems which have been in use with the Army. However, with a strong pitch for ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence, there has been little progress on this front in the last two years, with sources indicating that the deal has been put on hold for now.

About Very Short Range Air Defence System or VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system:

  • It is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS).
  • These 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 are having a maximum range of 8 kilometres and can engage targets at altitudes of 4.5 km.
  • The missile incorporates many novel technologies including a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests.
  • The RCS is responsible for attitude control and steering by the use of thrusters and is also capable of providing small amounts of thrust in any desired direction or combination of directions.
  • As per the defence ministry, the missile—which is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor—incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which were successfully proven during the tests conducted last year. The DRDO has designed the missile and its launcher in a way to ensure easy portability.

Designed and developed by:

DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.

Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

Weekly Current Affairs One Liners (7th September to 13th September, 2026)

Weekly Current Affairs One-Liners Current Affairs 2026 plays a very important role in competitive examinations…

13 hours ago

Elena Rybakina Beats Aryna Sabalenka to Win US Open 2026

Elena Rybakina won the US Open women’s single title in 2026 against the first-seed player…

18 hours ago

BRICS 2026: New Delhi Declaration Adopted Unanimously

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026 was signed by all member countries on the first…

1 day ago

Rameswaram Temple Backdrop Steals Spotlight at BRICS Summit

The renowned Ramanathaswamy Temple located in Rameswaram turned out to be an accidental eye-catcher at…

2 days ago

Railway Station vs Junction vs Terminal: What Is the Difference?

Station, junction, terminal, and terminus are some terms which are commonly heard on India’s rail…

2 days ago

Russia Offers India Advanced Engine Upgrade for Su-30MKI

Russia has made another proposal to India on building an advanced fighter engine for upgrading…

2 days ago