Published: 21 February 2026Defence Security
Indian Army's Konark Corps Conducts Successful Strela-10 VSHORADS Live Firing at Pokhran, Rajasthan
Around February 22, 2026, the Indian Army's Konark Corps — responsible for the Western Desert sector — conducted a high-intensity live firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The exercise was carried out by the Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade, achieving direct hits on simulated aerial targets under challenging desert conditions.
The Strela-10 (NATO designation: SA-13 Gopher) is a Soviet-origin, highly mobile, tracked air defence weapon system capable of engaging low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles at an effective range of approximately 6–10 kilometres. The live firing exercise demonstrated operational precision and combat readiness of India's short-range air defence (SHORAD) capabilities in desert terrain.
Pokhran, located in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, is one of India's most strategically important military testing ranges — famous for Operation Smiling Buddha (1974) and Operation Shakti (1998) nuclear tests. The exercise underscores India's focus on strengthening low-altitude air defence networks, particularly relevant given the increasing use of armed drones and loitering munitions in contemporary warfare, and Rajasthan's frontline role in India's western defence strategy.
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Which Indian Army Corps conducted the Strela-10 VSHORADS live firing exercise at Pokhran in February 2026?
Explanation · Correct answer DThe Indian Army's Konark Corps, responsible for the Western Desert sector, conducted the high-intensity live firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at Pokhran, Rajasthan in February 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Strela-10 VSHORADS system and what is its origin?
Strela-10 is a Soviet-era mobile Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) mounted on a tracked vehicle. Designed for low-altitude aerial threats, it uses infrared-guided missiles. India continues to operate it as part of its layered air defence framework, particularly in forward desert sectors like Rajasthan.
What is the Konark Corps and where is it headquartered?
Konark Corps is a formation of the Indian Army under Southern Command. Its headquarters is located at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is responsible for guarding India's western desert sector along the Rajasthan frontier, making it a critical corps for national security in the region.
What was the significance of the Strela-10 live firing exercise at Pokhran in February 2026?
The live firing exercise at Pokhran, Rajasthan demonstrated that the Indian Army's Konark Corps achieved direct hits on simulated aerial targets, validating operational combat readiness of the Strela-10 system. It confirmed India's low-altitude air defence capability in the western desert — a strategic sector bordering Pakistan.
Why is Pokhran Field Firing Range significant for India's defence preparedness?
The Pokhran Field Firing Range, located in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, is India's largest military testing ground. It is used for live artillery, missile, and weapons systems testing. It also has historical significance as the site of India's nuclear tests — Operation Smiling Buddha (1974) and Operation Shakti (1998).
What are VSHORADS and why are they critical in modern warfare?
VSHORADS — Very Short Range Air Defence Systems — are portable or vehicle-mounted weapon systems designed to neutralise low-flying aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles at close range. With the rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern conflicts, VSHORADS have become essential for protecting ground forces and forward positions.
