New Delhi: In a strategic move to enhance India’s air defence capabilities under all-weather and multi-terrain conditions, the Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of a next-generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS-NG).
The proposal seeks 48 launchers, 48 night vision sights, 85 infrared-guided missiles, and one portable missile testing station under the “Buy (Indian)” category, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on indigenous defence production.
According to the RFP, the VSHORADS-NG will serve as a man-portable, fire-and-forget missile system capable of delivering terminal and point defence against evolving aerial threats — including fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft — at altitudes up to 3.5 km and distances of 6 km. The system is expected to operate effectively in all terrains, from high-altitude snow-bound regions to deserts and coastal zones.
Designed for both day and night operations, the missiles use infrared homing technology and are to be deployed across varied combat zones. The Defence Ministry has mandated a minimum indigenous content of over 50% for Indian-designed systems and more than 60% otherwise.
The RFP also calls for a fully portable missile test station, functional in all climates and terrains, ensuring operational readiness and system reliability in real-time scenarios.
