DAC Nod to VSHORAD Missile Systems Being Designed by DRDO: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the proposal for the purchase of the VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system, which is being designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization, in an effort to strengthen the air defence systems along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) facing China (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.
January 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
About The Timeline of This Procurement:
Since 2018, India and Russia have been negotiating the purchase of Igla-S air defence missiles for $1.5 billion through the VSHORAD programme in an effort to replace Russian Igla-M systems that the Army has been using. 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 can engage targets at an altitude of 4.5 km and have a maximum range of 8 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 missile and its launcher were designed by the DRDO with portability in mind.
Designed and developed by:
DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
