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 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
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$550million). 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 DefenceSanjay 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
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
Developmental trials
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]VSHORAD test firing in final configuration
On 1 February 2025, three successive flight-trials of VSHORADS from ITR in the final deployment configuration. The trials were conducted against low-altitude, high-speed targets mimicking adversery UAVs with low thermal signatures. The trial, for the first time, included two field operators carried out weapon readiness, target acquisition and missile firing. This established VSHORADS as a missile capable of engaging low-flying drones along with other aerial threats.[37][38]
↑ 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)
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