India to Carry out High Altitude Trials of Indigenous Short-Range Air Defence Missiles

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to conduct high-altitude trials for its new indigenous shoulder-fired air defence missiles, designed to meet the Indian Army and Air Force's needs against modern aerial threats.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to conduct high-altitude trials of its newly developed shoulder-fired air defence missiles. These trials will take place in mountainous regions such as Ladakh or Sikkim. This development is a significant step towards fulfilling the Indian Army and Air Force's requirement for effective air defence systems capable of tackling fast-moving aerial threats, including drones, fighter aircraft, and helicopters.

DRDO has been working on Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missiles to meet these needs. According to defence officials, the indigenous missile system has successfully locked onto and taken out both long-range and short-range targets, resolving earlier issues with short-range targeting.

Following the successful high-altitude trials, the missile system will be handed over to the Indian Army for user trials and assessments. This move is part of a broader effort to address the shortage of shoulder-fired air defence missiles within the Indian military's inventory, especially in light of potential threats from neighboring countries such as Pakistan and China.

The Indian Army is currently pursuing two significant projects worth Rs 6,800 crore to develop VSHORAD systems indigenously. This initiative is crucial as the existing VSHORAD missiles in the Army and Air Force's inventory, which rely on infrared (IR) homing guidance systems, are outdated. For instance, the Igla 1M VSHORAD missile system, inducted in 1989, was planned for de-induction in 2013, highlighting the urgent need for modern replacements.

In addition to meeting immediate defence needs, the development and successful deployment of these indigenous missile systems will enhance India's self-reliance in defence technology. This aligns with the broader "Make in India" initiative, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign defence imports.

As the DRDO prepares for these critical trials, the focus remains on ensuring that the missile systems are fully capable of defending the nation's borders against any aerial threats. The successful completion and induction of these systems will mark a significant milestone in India's defence capabilities.