The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) is preparing to purchase between 2,000 to 5,000 Vajra Air Defence Systems, also known as the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). It will be utilized by all three wings of India's Armed Forces. Its advantage lies in the capability to target and down enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
The system underwent successful trial runs by the DRDO in February of this year off the coast of Odisha, meeting all the required benchmarks. These trials have been ongoing for several years. The Vajra air defense system is akin to Russia's S-400 system, with impressive speed for such systems.
Vajra can be launched from ground-based, man-portable launchers. Thus, it can be conveniently launched from various terrains, ranging from the Himalayan mountains near the Chinese border to the desert frontiers adjoining Pakistan. It can target planes, fighter jets, helicopters, missiles, or drones.
Source: aajtak
Vajra is essentially a short-range interceptor missile. Developed within the country, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)'s Research Center Imarat in Hyderabad contributed to its creation.
The missile is equipped with advanced technologies, including a dual-band Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR), a miniature reaction control system, and integrated avionics. Its propulsion system, a dual-thrust solid motor, grants it remarkable speed. This formidable weapon can be used by Indian forces in anti-aircraft warfare.
Vajra weighs approximately 20.5 kg with a length of around 6.7 feet and a diameter of 3.5 inches. It can carry a payload of a 2 kg warhead. The range spans from 250 meters up to 6 km, with a maximum altitude reach of 11,500 feet and a top speed of 1800 km/h.
