Why in News?

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missiles at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) System:

• The Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) System is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) used for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short range.
• VSHORAD has been designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad in collaboration with DRDO and other Indian industry partners.
• The VSHORAD missile system is equipped with advanced technologies such as Dual-band IIR Seeker, miniaturised Reaction Control System and integrated avionics.
• The VSHORAD missiles are propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.
• The VSHORAD missiles are expected to replace the existing Igla in service.
• VSHORAD can be deployed in the mountains close to the LAC at a short notice and hence is said to be critical for the defence of major cities or strategically significant locations in the wake of recent developments along the LAC and northern borders.