The DRDO has started fabrication work on the Prototype of the first indigenous MANPADS as per tender documents available publicly. Indian Army’s $1.5 billion VSHORAD program has been in shambles due to delays over complaints made by other competitors in d competition. New MANPADS
will have a Dual-band infrared homing seeker or multi-spectral optical seeker weighing less than 25 kgs, with fire and forget capability. MANPADS will have the capability to engage aerial targets by day and night with an effective range of 6kms, and height of engagement of more
than 3kms. MANPADS will be employed in varied terrains including high altitude areas, plains, desert areas, coastal areas, and maritime and in future a sea-based and ground-based SRADS to be mounted on various platforms as MBTs and Warships will also be designed.