Indian Army Conducts Successful Strela-10 VSHORADS Test Firing at Pokhran

The Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade under the Indian Army’s Konark Corps successfully carried out a high-intensity test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. The live exercise was conducted in Rajasthan’s desert sector and demonstrated strong combat readiness and operational precision in countering low-altitude aerial threats.

Direct Hits on Simulated Targets

The Strela-10 missile, launched from a BMP-based mobile platform, successfully achieved direct hits on simulated enemy aerial targets.

With an effective engagement range of approximately 6 to 10 kilometres, the system is capable of neutralising:

• Low-flying aircraft
• Helicopters
• Modern aerial threats such as drones

Officials said the drill validated firing standards, strengthened crew coordination, and tested engagement protocols under realistic battlefield conditions.

Key Highlights of the Exercise

• Seamless integration of surveillance and target acquisition systems
• Accurate missile deployment under desert conditions
• High fire discipline and tactical proficiency
• Testing in extreme terrain with high temperatures and shifting sands

Unlike radar-dependent systems, the Strela-10 relies significantly on visual target acquisition, making training and battlefield awareness essential for success.

Strategic Importance

The Pokhran desert provided a demanding environment, ensuring that air defence units remain fully prepared for real combat scenarios.

While the Strela-10 continues in active service, India is also developing an indigenous VSHORADS system with an engagement range of around 6 km to strengthen domestic defence capabilities.

Officials emphasized that such exercises are regularly conducted to maintain operational preparedness, especially in strategically sensitive regions.

The successful test reinforced the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding national airspace against evolving aerial threats.

MCQs: Strela-10 VSHORADS Test

Q1. The Strela-10 missile system was recently tested by which force?
(a) Indian Navy
(b) Indian Air Force
(c) Indian Army
(d) DRDO
(e) BSF

Ans: (c)
Sol: The Indian Army conducted the test firing at Pokhran.

Q2. The Strela-10 is classified as which type of missile system?
(a) Long Range Ballistic Missile
(b) Cruise Missile
(c) Anti-Tank Missile
(d) Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
(e) Submarine-Launched Missile

Ans: (d)
Sol: Strela-10 is a Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).

Q3. The test firing was conducted at which location?
(a) Chandipur
(b) Pokhran Field Firing Range
(c) Jaisalmer Air Base
(d) Siachen
(e) Balasore

Ans: (b)
Sol: The exercise was conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

Q4. The effective engagement range of the Strela-10 system is approximately:
(a) 2–4 km
(b) 4–6 km
(c) 6–10 km
(d) 10–15 km
(e) 15–20 km

Ans: (c)
Sol: The Strela-10 has an effective engagement range of around 6 to 10 km.

Q5. The Strela-10 system is primarily designed to target:
(a) Submarines
(b) Tanks
(c) Low-flying aircraft and drones
(d) Ballistic missiles
(e) Naval vessels

Ans: (c)
Sol: It is designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones.