NEW DELHI: The Centre has sought procurement of a next-generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (Vshorads-NG] to strengthen air defence capability under all-weather conditions. As per the request for proposal (RFP) issued by the defence ministry on Saturday, the intention is “to procure 48 launchers, 48 night vision sights, 85 missiles and one missile test station of Vshorads-NG. The contract will be under the Buy (Indian) category.”
Under the operational characteristics and feature head, the RFP document says, “To meet the evolving dynamic air threat, Army Air Defence requires Very Short Range Air Defence (Vshorads) man-portable missile system for effective terminal and point defence.” Manportable refers to an object capable of being carried by one person over a long distance. “These Vshorads, based on infra-red homing (IR) technology, are effective fire-and-forget type of missile systems,” it says.
The system is proposed to be employed across all terrains: High-altitude areas – up to 4500m or more, plains/riverine, desert, coastal areas and maritime. It should have a “maximum range of 6000 m (6km) hitting targets up to 3500 (3.5 kms) above ground levels.” the RFP says, “It should have the capability to engage fighter, transport aircraft and helicopters.”
These Vshorads, based on IR technology, are effective fire and forget type of missile systems. The Vshorads (NG) system should be able to “operate during day and night for engagement of aerial targets under all-weather conditions, including snow-bound locations.”
The participating bidders have to ensure “minimum indigenous content (IC) required in case of indigenous design greater than 50 per cent, otherwise more than 60 per cent.” The RFP on the missile testing station says, “There should be a facility of portable missile testing station which functions in all terrains and climatic conditions.”