DRDO Conducts Successful Flight Test of VSHORADS Missile in Chandipur, Odisha

Current Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has successfully conducted two flight tests of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile.

• These tests were carried out on 28th & 29th February 2024 from a ground-based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
• The tests were performed against high-speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios.
• During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives.
• The VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
• The missile incorporates many novel technologies including a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics which have been successfully proven during the tests.
• The missile is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor and is designed to neutralize low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
• The design of the missile, including the launcher, has been highly optimized to ensure easy portability.

Question:

Q.1 Who designed and developed the VSHORADS missile?
a. Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners
b. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
c. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
d. European Space Agency (ESA)