India has successfully test-fired the indigenously developed VSHORADS missiles in Pokhran firing ranges in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
The DRDO carried out three tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System as part of development trials at the Pokhran range of Rajasthan.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Army and all industry involved in the successful development trials and stated that this new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to Armed Forces against aerial threats.
"The DRDO India has successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th Generation, technically advanced miniaturised weapon system VSHORADS, from Pokhran. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry involved in the successful development, tweeted the office of the Defence Minister on Saturday.".
The missiles have been under development for the last few years and are expected to meet the critical requirements of the forces to tackle enemy aircraft, drones and other aerial targets at short ranges.
The forces rely on the Russian Igla missiles for their requirements but felt the need to modernise their inventory way back over a decade ago.
In the VSHORADS project, there are two private development cum production partners.
Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi expressed India's support for a peaceful resolution to disputes and has sought to promote cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific.
"India has relentlessly championed the peaceful resolution of issues and has promoted cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on the centrality of ASEAN in fostering regional dialogue, stability, and collective growth," he said.
Here, he was clear that India commits itself to the safety and security of vital international maritime routes. Further, he emphasized that engagement with the regional partners, including the joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives, is meant to strengthen the collective framework of maritime security.
While clarifying that the Indian Armed Forces, especially the Navy, have been instrumental in implementing cooperative endeavors with nations of the region and continuously working for building their capacity and capabilities, the Ministry of Defence declared.
'While India's effort for maritime cooperation goes on, its interests are not in conflict with any other country. At the same time, the interests of any other nation should not come in conflict with those of other nations. This is the spirit in which we must work together,'' Singh further said.
He said, "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as we believe in fostering partnerships that highlight sustainable development, economic growth, and mutual security."
The defense minister added, "Indians engagement with partners is guided by the understanding that only through collective action and synergy can true progress be made. Because of such efforts, India is considered a 'credible and preferred security partner and first responder' in this region."
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