• By Imran Zafar
  • Sat, 05 Oct 2024 05:03 PM (IST)
  • Source:ANI

India successfully conducted three flight tests of the indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles at the Pokhran firing ranges in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the tests as part of the missile's development trials. The VSHORADS missile is a 4th-generation, miniaturised weapon system designed to bolster India's defence capabilities against short-range aerial threats such as enemy aircraft, drones and other airborne targets.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and the industry involved in the development trials. He highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting that the VSHORADS missile is equipped with modern technologies that will enhance the Armed Forces' ability to combat aerial threats. 

"The DRDO India has successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th Generation, technically advanced miniaturised weapon system VSHORADS from Pokhran," Rajnath Singh's office tweeted. 

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The development of the VSHORADS missile, which has been underway for several years, is expected to meet the critical need for modernising India's short-range air defence system. Currently, the Indian Armed Forces rely on Russian-made Igla missiles, but there has been a longstanding demand to upgrade the missile inventory. Two private companies have been involved as development and production partners in the VSHORADS project, making it a significant collaborative effort.

This missile test comes amidst broader defence discussions led by Rajnath Singh. On Friday,  during the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi, the defence minister reiterated India's commitment to promoting peaceful resolutions to disputes in the Indo-Pacific region. 

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He emphasised India's focus on ASEAN centrality and its vision for ensuring the safety and security of international maritime routes. Singh also underscored India's engagement with regional partners, highlighting joint military exercises and information-sharing initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime security.

"India's vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as we believe in fostering partnerships that prioritise sustainable development, economic growth and mutual security," he said highlighting India's vision for the Indo-Pacific.