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VSHORAD (India)

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VSHORAD
VSHORAD
Type
Place of originIndia
Service history
In serviceUnder development
Used byIndian Army
Production history
DesignerResearch Centre Imarat (DRDO)
ManufacturerAdani Defence & Aerospace
ICOMM Tele Limited
Specifications
Mass20.5 kg (45 lb)
Length2.00 metres (6 ft 7 in)
Diameter90 mm (3.5 in)
Wingspan32 cm (13 in)
Warhead2.0 kg (4.4 lb)
Detonation
mechanism
Adaptive proximity fuze
EngineDual-thrust rocket motor
PropellantSolid propellant
Operational
range
250 m (820 ft) – 6 km (20,000 ft)[1]
Flight altitude3,500 m (11,500 ft)
Maximum speed Mach 1.5
Guidance
system
Dual waveband infrared imaging
Launch
platform

The Very Short Range Air Defence System, or VSHORADS, is a fourth generation, man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a research lab under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located in Hyderabad.[2] Multiple DRDO laboratories along with Indian industry partners are participating in the project. It is designed for anti-aircraft warfare and neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.[3]

History

[edit]

Igla-1M has been in use by the Indian Army since the 1980s. Presently, the system is ill-equipped to handle emerging contemporary threats.[4]

In 2010, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) released the request for proposal (RFP) for the VSHORAD program, which initiated the beginning of the selection process. When the VSHORAD order was first proposed in 2010, its estimated value was ₹27,000 crores. It was listed as one of the high priority procurement program by the Indian Armed Forces.[5] Several variants, including ship-based pedestals, man-portable/vehicle-mounted versions, were planned for acquisition.[6]

The obsolescence of Army’s air defence inventory was noted by Chief of the Army Staff General V. K. Singh in a letter to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in March 2012. The Technical Evaluation Committee examined and approved the Rosoboronexport 9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch), Saab RBS 70 NG, MBDA Mistral, and LIG Nex1 KP-SAM Chiron in January 2012. While Starstreak from Thales Air Defence had already been rejected for non-compliance at the paper evaluation stage. The LIG Nex1 KP-SAM Chiron was removed after failing to appear for trials.[7] The MoD paused the process as it reviewed Raytheon's offer to sell its FIM-92 Stinger on a government-to-government basis. The negotiations were unsuccessful as there was minimal progress on technology transfer.[8]

The Rosoboronexport 9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch), the Saab RBS 70 NG, and the MBDA Mistral were the three competitors for the order, and their trials were concluded in 2013.[9] According to reports in December 2015, India was thinking of forgoing the global tender in favor of an indigenous project falling under the Buy and Make (Indian) procurement category.[10][11] The staff evaluation is meant to be finished in a maximum of 12 weeks, as per the Defence Procurement Procedure, but it wasn't finished till 2016.[12]

The MoD conducted re-confirmatory trials in 2016 as a result of vendor non-compliance.[13] In 2017, the procurement process was stalled by the noncompliance of two out of three vendors.[14]

In 2018, the Army's effort to acquire Man-Portable Air Defence Systems came to an end. After receiving bids from Sweden's Saab RBS70 NG and France's MBDA Mistral, Russia's 9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch), has been deemed the lowest bidder (L-1 in Indian defense lingo) for $3 billion competitive tender.[15]

A total of 5,175 missiles and related equipment, such as launchers, sensors, thermal imaging sights, and command and control units, have been requested by the Indian Army under the VSHORAD program. Of these, about 2,300 will be imported in full, 260 will be in semi-knocked down (SKD) condition, 1,000 will be completely knocked down (CKD), and 600 will be produced in India.[16][17]

Development

[edit]
Maiden launch of Very Short Range Air Defence System

Under the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) program, the Ministry of Defence is examining the 9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch) system. To promote Make in India and reduce the import of weapons, the procurement is being delayed. However, a small number of 9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch) system that were acquired from Russia under emergency procurement have been used by the Indian Army.[18]

Meanwhile, DRDO seized the opportunity and began developing its own Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad is responsible for the design and development of VSHORADS, working with other DRDO laboratories and Indian business partners.[19]

On January 11, 2023, the MoD granted the VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile variant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN).[20]

Reportedly, the DRDO VSHORAD is being built concurrently with another Indian VSHORAD project as a joint venture between a public sector entity based in Hyderabad (possibly Bharat Dynamics Limited) and a private sector entity based in Pune. To counter drones, helicopters, and fighter jets flying at low altitude, the later missile will be laser beam riding VSHORAD system. An order of 200 launchers and 1200 missiles is expected for this project, which is valued at ₹4,800 crore (US$580 million). While Indian Army will procure 700 missiles, the Indian Air Force will procure the rest of it.[21][22][23]

DRDO has developed a tripod-based weapon system as of May 2024, and work is in progress to miniaturize the technology for use as a shoulder-launched variant. The Indian Army is expected to place an initial order for about 500 launchers and 3000 missiles for the DRDO VSHORAD project.[21][22] On 26 July 2024, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth notified the Parliament in writing that the development of the shoulder fired variant can make use of certain subsystems and technology from VSHORADS project.[24]

The development of the miniaturized fourth generation man-portable air-defense system VSHORADS was officially completed on 5 October 2024 after a series of developmental trials. As part of the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) program, DRDO has selected Adani Defence & Aerospace and ICOMM Tele Limited. Since its beginning, the VSHORAD project has involved every branch of the Indian Armed Forces.[25]

Design

[edit]

The missile is propelled by dual-thrust rocket motor and is made to take out low flying targets. To guarantee effortless mobility, the missile's design, encompassing the launcher, has undergone extensive optimization.[3][26]

VSHORAD missile incorporates integrated avionics and miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) to increase mid-air maneuverability.[3] The missile uses a state-of-art uncooled infrared imaging seeker.[2]

By varying its thrust, the dual pulse solid propellant rocket motor of the VSHORADS preserves its maneuverability, boosting thrust when required. In order to improve its kill capabilities, the dual waveband infrared imaging seeker can identify its target and use target-specific pursuit algorithms.[27] Under complex countermeasure environments, the seeker can distinguish between targets and decoys with high precision. The reactive thrust vectoring mechanism and aerodynamic surfaces enable complicated and erratic maneuvers while in flight.[28]

Testing

[edit]

Developmental trials

[edit]
Proof test for reaction control system and integrated avionics on 27 September 2022.
  • On 27 September 2022, DRDO conducted two successful test flights of VSHORAD missile from a ground-based portable launcher from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. A Ministry of Defence statement read "VSHORAD missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests".[29]
  • On 14 March 2023, DRDO again conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of VSHORAD missile at the ITR, Chandipur. The flight tests were carried out against a high speed unmanned aerial targets, mimicking approaching and receding aircraft. The targets were successfully intercepted, meeting all mission objectives.[30]
  • On 28 and 29 February 2024, the third and fourth tests were successfully conducted from a ground-based portable launcher. The mission objective, which was to destroy high-speed unmanned targets under different scenarios, was achieved by the tests. The test was witnessed by officials from the Indian Army.[31][32]
  • In June 2024, Asian News International reported that DRDO will carry out high-altitude trails of the missile system at a location like Ladakh or Sikkim. The issues about short-range interception has been sorted out. The high-altitude trails will be followed by user trials by Indian Armed Forces.[33]
  • On 3 and 4 October 2024, three successful flight trials of "miniaturised" VSHORAD were conducted by DRDO in the Pokhran Test Range as part of developmental trials.[34] The tests demonstrated the crucial criteria of maximum range and maximum altitude interception against a fast-moving target. It also demonstrated the weapon system's consistent hit-to-kill performance in a range of target engagement situations, including approaching, retreating, and crossing modes. The trials marked the end of developmental trials of the VSHORADS. This will be followed by rapid production and early user trials.[35][36]

Operators

[edit]

 India

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Pandit, Rajat (29 February 2024). "India successfully tests indigenous VSHORADS missile system, enhancing air defence capabilities". The Times of India. TNN. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  2. ^ a b "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE - YEAR END REVIEW 2023". Press Information Bureau. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Successful Flight Tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) Missile by DRDO". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  4. ^ Katoch (Retd), Lt General P.C. "Missile Systems Procurement". SP's Land Forces. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  5. ^ Joshi, Saurabh (2017-10-17). "VSHORAD contest: It's complicated". StratPost. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  6. ^ Saxena (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Lt Gen (Dr) V K (14 October 2022). "A 'Quiet' Test with a 'Big' Impact". Vivekananda International Foundation. Retrieved 6 October 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Joshi, Saurabh (2018-10-18). "India's VSHORAD program off flight path". StratPost. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  8. ^ Darling, Daniel (2018-11-20). "Russian Igla-S Named Lowest Bidder for Indian Army's VSHORADS Contest". Defense Security Monitor. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  9. ^ "Indian Army gets Igla-S air defence system from Russia; Here's all you need to know". CNBCTV18. 2024-04-09. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  10. ^ Saxena, Sangeeta (2015-12-08). "Ministry of Defence mum over news of cancellation of vshorad tender". ADU - Aviation Defence Universe. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  11. ^ "India May Scrap V-SHORAD Tender, Launch Local Project". Defense aerospace. 2015-12-07. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  12. ^ Singh, Sushant (2016-08-23). "In fact: How Army's obsolete air defence puts key installations at risk". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  13. ^ "Air defence tender to go for re-confirmatory trials". The Hindu. 2016-10-09. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  14. ^ Peri, Dinakar (2017-11-19). "Army's air defence deal hangs fire". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  15. ^ Dutta, Sujan (2018-11-20). "Two European firms fume as 'laggard' Russia wins Rs 27,000 crore air defence system deal". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  16. ^ Siddiqui, Huma (20 November 2018). "Indian Army to get Russian VSHORAD missile system for air defence". Financialexpress. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  17. ^ Negi, Manjeet (2024-04-21). "Army developing missile systems to counter threats along China, Pakistan borders". India Today. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  18. ^ Peri, Dinakar (2022-04-02). "Army inducts Russian MANPADS". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  19. ^ "India successfully flight tests 4th-Gen VSHORADS missile". The Economic Times. 2024-10-05. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  20. ^ Dutta, Amrita Nayak (2023-01-10). "DAC nod to VSHORAD missile systems being designed by DRDO". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2023-01-11.
  21. ^ a b c d "Army progressing Rs 6800 cr desi shoulder-fired missile projects for China, Pakistan borders". ANI. 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  22. ^ a b Bisht, Inder Singh (2024-04-24). "Indian Army Greenlights Local VSHORAD Development Project". The Defense Post. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  23. ^ a b Peri, Dinakar (2024-05-15). "Army set to receive Igla-S air defence systems partly assembled in India". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  24. ^ "Two projects sanctioned to develop 2 variants of anti-radiation missile Rudram: Govt". ThePrint. 2024-07-26. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  25. ^ Singh, Dalip (2024-10-05). "DRDO shortlists Adani Defence and Icomm for advanced VSHORADS development". BusinessLine. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  26. ^ Thakur, Vijainder K. (2023-04-03). "India's World-Beating Akash And Very Short-Range Air Defense Missiles Are Owner's Pride, Other's Envy". EURASIAN TIMES. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  27. ^ Thakur, Vijainder K. (2024-07-27). "'Better' Than FIM-92 Stingers, India's DRDO Is Developing Shoulder-Fired Missiles Likely To Outclass U.S. Systems". EURASIAN TIMES. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  28. ^ "India Enhances Air Defense with New Shoulder Launched Short Range Missile". armyrecognition.com. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  29. ^ "DRDO conducts successful test flight of VSHORADS missile". The Economic Times. 2022-09-27. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  30. ^ "DRDO conducts two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System missile off Odisha coast". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  31. ^ "DRDO successfully flight tests Very Short Range Air Defence System". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  32. ^ PTI. "India successfully flight tests VSHORADS missile". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  33. ^ "India to carry out high altitude trials of indigenous short-range air defence missiles". ANI. 2024-06-16. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  34. ^ "India successfully test fires VSHORADS missiles in Rajasthan's Pokhran". ANI. 5 October 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  35. ^ "Big boost to India's missile defence shield: DRDO conducts successful test fire of VSHORADS missiles in Pokhran". Business Today. 2024-10-05. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  36. ^ "DRDO successfully flight-tests 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. 5 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.


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