Bidders were asked to submit their proposals by May 20. The contract will be processed according to the “Purchase (India)” route.
“Urgent request for dynamic air threats”
As TOI reported, an Army official explained the principle behind the move, noting: “The Army needs Fire and Fire and Forget Vshorads-NG based on infrared homing technology to deal with the evolving dynamic air threat. There are potential terminals and points within this human-wide defense against all types of air threats.”
These systems are expected to operate on extreme terrain, ranging from a height of 4,500 meters covered by snow to deserts, plains, coastal and sea areas. Missile systems must be deployed in all-weather scenarios, including snow-bound areas, and abandoned when needed.
RFP specifies: “It should have the ability to engage fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters,” adding: “Its maximum range should be 6000 m (6 km) hitting targets and up to 3500 m (3.5 km) of targets.”
DRDO's indigenous system is still under trial
Although India has been developing its own Vshorads through the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the system is not ready for production. The latest round of trials was held in February this year. Delayed, the armed forces had to rely on alternative sources. Earlier, both the Army and the Indian Air Force caused a limited number of similar systems under the emergency regulations triggered by China's military stalemate in eastern Ladakh.
IGLA-S: Parking Measures During Defense Gap
Emergency acquisitions include Russian-Russian Igla-s air defense systems. These were assembled in India by Adani Defense. The old IGLA-1M that IGLA-S has been in use since 1989 provides significant improvements. The newer versions have longer interception range and better accuracy, but are still limited to 6 km.
This is not the first time India has considered getting such a system. A three-case for the procurement of 5,175 Vshorads units, began in June 2009. IGLA-S eventually won the competitive French and Swedish system. The bigger plan is to buy ready-made units first and then transfer the technology to Bharat Dynamics for local manufacturing. However, the project has not made progress.
Government promotes local production
The new RFP reiterates the center's concerns about indigenization. It stipulates that suppliers must meet the “minimum Indigenous Content (IC) required for indigenous designs greater than 50%, otherwise it will require more than 60%.
Additionally, the RFP mentioned: “There should be a facility for a portable missile test station that works in all terrain and climatic conditions.”
Back in January 2023, the Defense Acquisition Committee led by Rajnath Singh provided a green light for the procurement of DRDO’s Vshorads Systems, with an estimated cost of Rs 19.2 crore. The latest tender is seen as a continuation of the approval, focusing more directly on closing the gap.
This fresh purchasing circle has reached a critical moment. Tensions on the western border with Pakistan remained high, especially after the Pahalgam incident. Security analysts believe the move is a response to long-term capacity shortages and current operational risks.
While not unexpected, the urgency emphasizes a broader reality – the need for portable, responsive air defense is no longer theoretical. This is straightforward.
