In response to growing security concerns along its borders, particularly with Pakistan and China, India is taking rapid strides to enhance its air defence capabilities. A critical component of these efforts is the acquisition of the VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System), also known as VSHORADS – New Generation (NG). This system will significantly improve India’s ability to neutralize low-flying threats such as helicopters, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and low-speed aircraft, especially in forward positions and challenging terrains like mountainous regions.

What is VSHORADS?

The VSHORADS is a shoulder-fired air defence system designed to quickly engage and destroy aerial threats within a short range. The New Generation (NG) variant is an upgrade from older models like the Strela, designed to give the Indian armed forces a technological edge over adversaries. The VSHORADS system has a range of approximately 6 to 8 km and operates effectively at altitudes below 4.5 km. Its portability and ease of deployment in forward areas make it an ideal solution for Indian troops, particularly those stationed in high-altitude and remote regions.

Key Features of the VSHORADS System

The VSHORADS system’s primary component is the Igla-S missile, which is of Russian origin. This missile is a highly capable MANPADS (man-portable air defence system), designed to protect ground troops from aerial threats. The Igla-S missile is a significant upgrade over its predecessors, offering several improved features:

• Range and Altitude: The Igla-S can effectively engage targets at distances of up to 6 km and altitudes of 3.5 km, making it versatile for various combat scenarios.

• Seeker Technology: The missile uses multi-spectral optical seekers, which makes it more resistant to countermeasures like flares, increasing its reliability during operations.

• Warhead: Equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, it can destroy or severely damage aircraft with a single hit.

• Day-Night Capability: The missile’s infrared homing capability ensures it can operate in all-weather conditions, making it suitable for use at any time of day or night.

• Portability: Weighing under 20 kg, the missile system is highly mobile, allowing for quick deployment by infantry units.

Indian Army’s Tactical Air Defence Strategy

The Indian Army has been working on acquiring these systems under emergency procurement powers to bolster its air defence network. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has already issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure 48 launchers, 48 night vision sights, 85 missiles, and one missile test station, as part of a Rs 260 crore contract. These efforts are focused on plugging critical gaps in India’s air defence, particularly in border regions where traditional, fixed air defence systems may not be feasible due to challenging terrains.

The Indian Army has already received the first batch of Igla-S missiles and has begun deploying them to forward formations along the borders. Defence sources confirmed that these missiles are specifically aimed at neutralizing threats from enemy fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones.

Why This Acquisition is Critical Now

The timing of the VSHORADS acquisition is particularly significant given the heightened security situation along India’s borders, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack. The use of drones for surveillance and potential attacks has grown along India’s borders, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. This adds urgency to the need for an efficient air defence system to counter aerial threats that may attempt to bypass traditional defences.

Additionally, the recent missile tests by Pakistan, including launches of the Fatah-series and Abdali missiles, underscore the growing threat from across the border. The VSHORADS system offers a reliable means to neutralize such threats effectively.

DRDO’s Indigenous VSHORADS

In parallel to importing the Igla-S system, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also developing an indigenous VSHORADS system. In 2023, the DRDO successfully conducted flight tests for this system, marking a significant step towards India’s self-reliance in air defence. Although it has not yet been inducted into service, this indigenous system will eventually complement the Igla-S missiles and provide India with a long-term domestic solution for tactical air defence.

The DRDO VSHORADS is expected to offer additional flexibility and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, which aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving greater strategic independence in its defence capabilities.

Strategic Importance of VSHORADS in Border Regions

The VSHORADS system is particularly vital in high-altitude areas like Ladakh and Northeast India, where conventional air defence systems may not be easily deployed. The mountainous terrain in these regions poses significant logistical challenges for fixed installations, making the mobile VSHORADS systems an essential tool for defending troops against aerial threats.

Moreover, the threat from drones is not confined to any specific border; both Pakistan and China have increased their use of drones for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and potential attacks. The VSHORADS system’s ability to target drones adds a significant capability to India’s border defence architecture.

Conclusion: Enhancing India’s Defence Posture

India’s decision to speed up the acquisition of the VSHORADS system is a crucial step in strengthening its air defence against growing threats along its borders. With the incorporation of advanced systems like the Igla-S missile and the development of indigenous alternatives by the DRDO, India is setting the stage for a more robust and independent defence infrastructure. As tensions rise on multiple fronts, the VSHORADS system offers India a critical tool to protect its borders and secure the safety of its personnel stationed in forward areas and mountainous terrains.

This move comes at a pivotal time, with the global and regional security landscape evolving rapidly, and positions India to counter the increasing aerial threats posed by both state and non-state actors.

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