Indian Army to get indigenous VSHORADS

[Faceless]

Very Short Range Air Defence System or VSHORAD is a man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile system designed to eliminate low altitude aerial threats like helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles etc at close ranges.

VSHORAD missile system was designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Research Center Imarat (RCI) with the goal of replacing older Igla M MANPADs from the Indian armed Forces.
Indian Army and Air Force are expected to collectively order a total of 1200 VSHORAD missile and 200 Launchers by the end of FY 25-26.

What makes the Indian VSHORAD different from MANPADS present around the world is the presence of miniaturized Reaction Control System which drastically improves its precision in the end game.

Type	Short-range Air Defense (SHORAD) Man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS)
Place of Origin	India

Service History	Developmental Trials Complete, Awaiting User Trials
Used By	Indian Army (Planned) Indian Airforce (Planned)

Designer	Research Centre Imarat (DRDO)
Manufacturer	Adani Defence and Aerospace
Unit Cost	-

Mass	20.5 kg
Length	2.00 metres (6 ft 7 in)
Diameter	90 mm (3.5 in)
Wingspan	32 cm (13 in)
Warhead	2.0 kg Directed Energy Blast Fragmentation Warhead
Detonation Mechanism	Adaptive proximity fuze, Impact
Engine	Dual-thrust rocket motor
Operational Range	250 m – 7 km
Flight Altitude	10 m - 3,500 m (11,500 ft)
Speed	Mach 2 (Average Speed Mach 1.5)
Azimuth	360°
Elevation	-5° to +35°
Guidence	Dual waveband infra-red Homing
Shelf Life	15 years (maintenance free)
Launch Platform	Tripod, Shoulder Mounted MANPAD
Deployment time	• Setup to Firing Mode - 5 min • Stand by to Firing Mode - 10 sec
Special Features	Miniaturized Reaction Control System

Operating Visibility	Minimum of 10 lumens
Operating Altitude	Maximum 4500 m
Operating Temperature	-20°C to 45°C

Launcher Unit Reliability	Capable of firing minimum 350 missiles
EOTS Range	12 km
EOTS Field of View	greater than 8 deg × 8 deg
Power Supply	Reusable Battery with Minimum 300 discharge cycles
Power Supply Operability	Operate for 4 hours without recharge
System Reliability	Sustain Minimum 10 continuous engagements

Source - Indian Army PSQR document for the DRDO

 

[Guru Dutt]

so now we have four stages made in india

7 KM
25KM
45KM and 80KM and have multiple AESA based X & L band 3D and 4D radars now we need is a proper intigrated matrix linking all assets into a web backed by likes of SPTDER and BARAB-8 & BARAK MR/LR and S400... we actually need massive numbers both in northern and western sectors

 

[Archie]

It is always better to induct indigenous systems, even if they are slightly inferior to foreign imports .
these inductions will lead to development of better systems in the future and will help us in reducing our dependency on foreign equipment

Everything which the army uses like Tanks, Artillery, Helicopters , MANPADs , SAMs , ATGM, Riffles , bulletproof vests , Armoured personal carriers , Infantry combat vehicles
All these have domestic versions available.

If Modi wants, Indian army could be completely equipped with Indian made weapon systems

 

[Zarvan]

so now we have four stages made in india

7 KM
25KM
45KM and 80KM and have multiple AESA based X & L band 3D and 4D radars now we need is a proper intigrated matrix linking all assets into a web backed by likes of SPTDER and BARAB-8 & BARAK MR/LR and S400... we actually need massive numbers both in northern and western sectors

Any pictures or videos available? Of these SHORADS

 

[Maarkhoor]

Very Short Range Air Defence System or VSHORAD is a man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile system designed to eliminate low altitude aerial threats like helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles etc at close ranges.

VSHORAD missile system was designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Research Center Imarat (RCI) with the goal of replacing older Igla M MANPADs from the Indian armed Forces.
Indian Army and Air Force are expected to collectively order a total of 1200 VSHORAD missile and 200 Launchers by the end of FY 25-26.

View attachment 952232

What makes indian VSHORAD different from MANPADS present around the world is the presence of miniaturized Reaction Control System which drastically improves its precision in the end game.

Type	Short-range Air Defense (SHORAD) Man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS)
Place of origin	India
Service History	Developmental Trials Complete, User Trials Pending
Used By	Indian Army (Planned) Indian Airforce (Planned)
Designer	Research Centre Imarat (DRDO)
Manufacturer	Adani Defence and Aerospace
Unit Cost	-
Mass	20.5 kg
Length	2.00 metres (6 ft 7 in)
Diameter	90 mm (3.5 in)
Wingspan	32 cm (13 in)
Warhead	2.0 kg Directed Energy Blast Fragmentation Warhead
Detonation mechanism	Adaptive proximity fuze, Impact
Engine	Dual-thrust rocket motor
Operational range	250 m – 7 km
Flight altitude	3,500 m (11,500 ft)
Azimuth	360°
Elevation	-5° to +35°
Speed	Mach 2 (Average Speed Mach 1.5)
Guidance Mechanism	Dual waveband infra-red Homing
Special Features	Miniaturized Reaction Control System
Launch Platform	Tripod, Shoulder Mounted MANPAD

Manufacturer	Adani Defence and Aerospace

Manufacturer	Adani Defence and Aerospace

 

[Jaeger]

Any pictures or videos available? Of these SHORADS

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[Guru Dutt]

Any pictures or videos available? Of these SHORADS

RADARS & AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM OF THE INDIAN AIR FORCE

Ground units play a vital role in air force power enhancement. Ground assets like radar station and air defense system are as important and as lethal as rest of the aerial assets. Different radars …

mysnipersworld.wordpress.com

Boost to IAF’s air defence with new missile system for aerial threats

The Indian Air Force received its first MRSAM system which can destroy aircraft from a distance of 110 kilometres and launch 24 missiles on 16 targets simultaneously.

www.indiatoday.in

@Zarvan mulla ji these are just those SAM systems that are in public knowledge cause off late as per new guidlinese MOD has stopped telling or disclosing its actual data about various tests cunducted regarding various new versions of SAMs and and surface to surface missiles after some idiot journos messed up reporting about nirbhay cruise missiles

 

[Zarvan]

View attachment 2251

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Is it a MANPAD system or similar to PANTSIR?

 

[Guru Dutt]

Is it a MANPAD system or similar to PANTSIR?

not quite MANPAD means man portable and Panstir is basically a truck mounted missile and gun system with a Radar in a single unit but missile with almost five six times the range (18 to 20 Km )
while most MANPAD SAMs are copies of like IGLA-S or Stinger missile systems but with maximum range upto 2.5 to 3.5 Kms and which are infra red seeker newer ones are IIR seeker based and have more counter measuers against chaffs or flairs deployed by aircrafts

 

[Circadian Rhythm]

@DDG-80 @MirageBlue
@onlinpunit
@Guynextdoor
@Guru Dutt
@Faceless

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[Faceless]

Amazing thread on VSHORAD by Indranil Roy,
I think it's the first missile in it's category to have RCS thrusters
@MirageBlue @Oscar @Migflug @SiliconByte (silicon0000) @Yasser76 @Nilgiri
(do correct me if I am wrong)

Truly a fine piece of engineering to be able to pack RCS Thrusters in such a tiny missile with just 90mm diameter

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This missile is absolutely best in class. DRDO is an absolute master in solid propulsion. by @Indrani1_Roy(Indranil Roy) | Twitter Thread Reader

This missile is absolutely best in class. DRDO is an absolute master in solid propulsion. Thanks to @Archit_Ch, for pointing out something to me. I haven't read a single account in public space which correctly describes how it works. It's quite beautiful.

twitter-thread.com

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View: https://x.com/Indrani1_Roy/status/1887994477337526726

I was not wrong. DRDO's lighter "Shoulder Fired VSHORAD: missile has just broken cover. But it has pleasantly surprised me in a few ways. by @Indrani1_Roy(Indranil Roy) | Twitter Thread Reader

I was not wrong. DRDO's lighter "Shoulder Fired VSHORAD: missile has just broken cover. But it has pleasantly surprised me in a few ways. It is certainly not your grandfather's Igla/Stinger. It's reflective of a missile designed in 2025 by a missile powerhouse. https://t.co/hy63C0bFBn

twitter-thread.com

Image Says "Solid Reaction Control Thrusters for Man Portable Missiles"

 

[Oscar]

This is pretty interesting - pretty much makes “Close Air Support” a hazard for any foe where this is deployed - better to put UCAVs and loitering munitions in numbers against it -

Where does this fit in the overall hierarchy?

Im assuming the challenge here is scale otherwise India should no longer be ordering any more MANPADS like Stinger or Iglas

 

[Faceless]

Im assuming the challenge here is scale otherwise India should no longer be ordering any more MANPADS like Stinger or Iglas

No that's not the case the only challenge here is priority (Shoulder Fired VSHORAD wasn't DRDO'S main priority initially) current VSHORAD and Stinger/Igla have totally different use cases, VSHORAD is not man portable like Igla/Stinger

VSHORAD devlopment is split in 2 version
First one being the classic VSHORAD currently nearing testing completion with
• MISTRAL like static twin launchers

• Single Pulse Dual Thrust (achieved using variable grain geometry) Rocket Motor
•On the heavier Side with missile weighing around 19kgs
• Differential Thrust Exhaust Nozzles and 40 RCS thrusters in the back of the missile for high maneuverability in Sub 200 m range

This version will be mainly used by naval ships( RIM 116 equivalent), Helicopters, and Ground Vehicles, (human Launch is not the main goal)

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There is another version in development (Shoulder Fired VSHORAD) which is lighter and Simpler and is the actual replacement for Igla, until that version comes online, Igla/Stinger will kept on being imported

This Version will have
• Igla like Launcher (old refrence pic)

• Lighter and Smaller by a Margin 12.5 kg ang 70mm diameter compared to 19 kg and 90 mm diameter

• Dual Pulse (but no dual thrust) Motor
• More Simplified Design by removing Differential Thrust Exhaust Nozzles and moving RCS thrusters towards the front

 

[Oscar]

No that's not the case the only challenge here is priority (Shoulder Fired VSHORAD wasn't DRDO'S main priority initially) current VSHORAD and Stinger/Igla have totally different use cases, VSHORAD is not man portable like Igla/Stinger

VSHORAD devlopment is split in 2 version
First one being the classic VSHORAD currently nearing testing completion with
• MISTRAL like static twin launchers
View attachment 99325
• Single Pulse Dual Thrust (achieved using variable grain geometry) Rocket Motor
•On the heavier Side with missile weighing around 19kgs
• Differential Thrust Exhaust Nozzles and 40 RCS thrusters in the back of the missile for high maneuverability in Sub 200 m range
View attachment 99326
This version will be mainly used by naval ships( RIM 116 equivalent), Helicopters, and Ground Vehicles, (human Launch is not the main goal)

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

There is another version in development (Shoulder Fired VSHORAD) which is lighter and Simpler and is the actual replacement for Igla, until that version comes online, Igla/Stinger will kept on being imported

This Version will have
• Igla like Launcher (old refrence pic)
View attachment 99327
• Lighter and Smaller by a Margin 12.5 kg ang 70mm diameter compared to 19 kg and 90 mm diameter
View attachment 99328
• Dual Pulse (but no dual thrust) Motor
• More Simplified Design by removing Differential Thrust Exhaust Nozzles and moving RCS thrusters towards the front
View attachment 99329

How is it expected to be layered?
Considering you either put it on a chassis that rolls up with the column for anti UAV, helicopters or fixed wing -
Where does Akash S1 go? For FOBs along with QR-SaM?

 

[Faceless]

How is it expected to be layered?
Considering you either put it on a chassis that rolls up with the column for anti UAV, helicopters or fixed wing -
Where does Akash S1 go? For FOBs along with QR-SaM?

an armored column is moving, it's got Convoy Trucks, It's got IFV, it's got APCs, It's got Tanks and you have to protect all these things
Now the threats it can face are as follows
• Mini and Micro Drones (the likes of DJI Mavic) (10m to 1000m)
• Then we have Battlefield Drones (the likes of Nishant)
• Then Come LoS drones like Burraq 2 on low end and TB 2 on high end
• After this are Enemy Helicopters and Standard (30k feet 24 hr) MALE drones
• And now at the extreme end of the spectrum are HALE drones and fighter jets

To protect against all these threats here is how the layering is going to be
0. Shoulder Fire VSHORAD for the soldier Squad

1. BEL D4 system (Drone Detect, Deter & Destroy) which has a 2kW laser system and various electronic soft kill systems, mainly useful against Mini Drones

2. Vehicle Mounted VSHORAD (A Launcher with 4 VSHORAD is under fabrication) + Shilka Gun System against Battlefield Drones + Mini Drones .
Basically a jugaadu Type 625 AA system with 4×4 vehicles only having VSHORAD missiles, Also useful againsts targets that QRSAM might have missed.
Will most likely be seen with a platoon

3. QRSAM with 30km range against Helicopters and LoS Drones

4. Slow moving but Still Mobile MRSAM against High End MALE and even HALE drones

From here onwards it's IAF's responsibility to provide protection


Another Scenario is Stationary FoBs
Here the threats are the same but the defense strategy is somewhat changed

Most things Remain the Same but Instead of mounting VSHORAD on Vehicles it's used as a stationary last line of Defence along with 40mm CIWS guns, scattered all around the FoB similar to how French do it

Another Difference is instead of using QRSAM, now much less mobile Akash Systems are used.
To grossly oversimplify QRSAM is used when the Convoy is moving, Akash is used when Convoy is resting

It's not entirely accurate but that's the gist of it and now you know where Akash S1 is used