Indian Army Konark Corps tests Strela-10 VSHORADS in Pokhran on 19 February 2026

Key facts

• The Blazing Skies Brigade of the Indian Army (IA) Konark Corps conducted a high-intensity test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
• The exercise was carried out at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan to validate combat readiness against low-altitude aerial threats.
• The Strela-10 is a Soviet-designed surface-to-air missile system launched from a BMP-based mobile platform.
• The system has an effective engagement range of approximately 6 to 10 kilometres and is designed to neutralise helicopters and drones.
• Unlike radar-dependent systems, this VSHORADS relies significantly on visual target acquisition for operational success.
• India is currently developing an indigenous version of the VSHORADS with an approximate engagement range of 6 kilometres.
• The IA drill in the desert terrain aimed to sharpen crew coordination and test engagement protocols under realistic battlefield conditions.