Indian Army Issues RFI for Next-Gen Very Short-Range Air Defence Missiles Systems

The Indian Army has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to buy a new generation of Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile systems. The Army is looking to purchase 100 missiles and 48 launchers in the first phase.

These new systems must be infrared-guided, meaning they can track and destroy targets using heat signatures. Importantly, the total length of the missile and launcher together should be less than 1.85 meters. This requirement will help soldiers carry and operate the system more easily, especially in tough terrains like mountains and deserts.

Currently, the VSHORADS missile developed by DRDO is around 2 meters long, which makes it slightly too big for this tender. DRDO’s version has already gone through successful trials, including tests in Odisha and Pokhran, where it showed its ability to hit targets like drones and low-flying aircraft. It uses a dual-thrust motor, an advanced imaging infrared seeker, and can hit targets up to 6 km away and 3.5 km in altitude.

However, since the new requirement calls for a more compact system, DRDO or other vendors may need to modify their designs or offer a different version.

The Army wants this new system to be effective in all weather conditions, day or night, and usable across various terrains – from plains and deserts to high-altitude areas up to 4,500 meters.

To support India’s “Make in India” push, the RFP also says that any Indian-designed system must have at least 50% indigenous content, while foreign systems must offer 60% local manufacturing if selected.

This move is part of India’s larger plan to modernize its short-range air defence and replace older systems like the Russian-made Igla. These new VSHORADs will play a key role in protecting Indian troops from aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.

More orders are expected in the future, as the Army, Air Force, and Navy together plan to buy over 3,000 missiles and 500 launchers to strengthen India’s air defence network.