Indian army invests Rs 6,800 Cr in VSHORADS development

Due to critical shortages in shoulder-fired missiles for countering aerial threats along its borders with China and Pakistan, the Indian Army is forging ahead with two major initiatives totaling over Rs 6,800 crore to develop Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) domestically.

With plans to acquire more than 500 launchers and approximately 3000 missiles through indigenous channels, the Indian Army is taking significant steps to bolster its air defence capabilities. This move comes as a response to the dwindling inventory of VSHORAD missiles, particularly the aging Igla-1M system which was inducted in 1989 and slated for de-induction in 2013.

Defence Ministry officials revealed that a substantial project worth Rs 4800 crore is currently underway, engaging a public sector unit headquartered in Hyderabad and a private firm based in Pune to develop a laser beam riding VSHORADS. These systems are crucial for safeguarding borders against enemy drones, fighter aircraft, and helicopters.

The project aims to deliver 200 launchers and 1200 missiles to the Indian Army and Air Force, with the Army taking the lead as the primary user. The development partners are mandated to produce prototypes under the Indian Designed, Developed, and Manufactured clause of the Defence Acquisition Procedure.

Despite challenges, including delays and less-than-encouraging progress, industry sources are optimistic about the ongoing efforts. Concurrently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively engaged in designing and developing infra-red homing-based VSHORADS in collaboration with industry partners Adani Defence and I-Comm.

Amid these developments, the Indian Army and Air Force have resorted to Emergency Procurement powers to acquire Russian Igla launchers, with 48 already delivered as part of the initial tranche. There are plans to revive a previously scrapped contract with Russia for Igla-S systems, highlighting the strategic imperative to enhance air defence capabilities through ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

The significance of VSHORAD missiles has been underscored by their proven efficacy in recent conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Indian armed forces remain steadfast in their efforts to modernize and replace outdated systems, ensuring robust air defence capabilities to safeguard national interests.