Published: 28 February 2026PIB / DD News / MeriSarkarDefence Security
DRDO Successfully Conducts Three Consecutive Flight-Trials of Indigenous VSHORADS Missile at Chandipur; System Can Soon Be Inducted into the Armed Forces
On February 27, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three consecutive flight-trials of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. All three missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed designated aerial targets across varying speeds, ranges, and altitudes — validating the system's performance in its final deployment configuration.
VSHORADS is an indigenously developed man-portable surface-to-air missile (MANPADS) designed to intercept low-altitude threats including drones, helicopters, and fast-flying aircraft. Following the successful completion of development trials, the system has been cleared for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP), marking a major milestone in India's layered air defence architecture. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO calling it 'a great success,' while DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat praised the achievement. The system is to be inducted into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, significantly enhancing India's short-range air defence capability under the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence production mission.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the significance of DRDO's VSHORADS missile in strengthening India's layered air defence against emerging low-altitude threats.
Answer (50 words):
On February 27, 2026, DRDO successfully conducted three consecutive VSHORADS flight-trials at Chandipur, intercepting targets across varying speeds, ranges, and altitudes. This indigenous man-portable air defence system, cleared for Low Rate Initial Production, targets drones, helicopters, and aircraft. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement as it prepares for tri-service induction.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
DRDO successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of the indigenous VSHORADS missile system from ITR Chandipur on which date?
Explanation · Correct answer APIB reported that DRDO conducted three successive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, on February 27, 2026. The trials revalidated the system against high-speed aerial targets at different speeds, ranges, and altitudes in final deployment configuration.
Frequently asked questions
What is VSHORADS and who developed it?
VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) is an indigenous Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) developed by DRDO to protect against low-flying aircraft and drones at ranges up to 6 km.
When and where were the VSHORADS flight trials conducted?
Three consecutive flight trials were conducted at the Chandipur Integrated Test Range on February 27, 2026; all three intercepts were successful.
What does Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) clearance mean for VSHORADS?
LRIP clearance means the system has passed developmental testing and can now be manufactured in limited numbers for user trials and service evaluation before full-scale production begins.
What are the key technical specifications of VSHORADS?
VSHORADS has a range of 6 km, a speed of Mach 1.5, and weighs 20.5 kg, making it man-portable and suitable for rapid field deployment.
How does VSHORADS support India's Atmanirbhar Bharat defence programme?
VSHORADS is designed to replace imported MANPADS systems, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthening India's indigenous defence manufacturing capability under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
