VSHORAD missiles are soldier’s last line of defence against enemy aircraft; three unsuccessful attempts to close deals for different missile systems since 2020; fifth use of emergency procurement since 2016
Published – March 08, 2025 10:58 pm IST – NEW DELHI
The emergency route for defence procurements has once again come to the Indian Army’s rescue in its bid to buy man-portable Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems, as repeated attempts to acquire the critical systems have failed. Since 2020, the Army has unsuccessfully tried to close three deals for two different missile systems, constituting 88 launchers, 372 missiles and associated equipment.