European missile manufacturer MBDA unveiled its new MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defence System) VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) solution for the first time at Farnborough International Airshow on July 22, 2024.
The new VSHORAD missile is a supersonic interceptor with image processing capabilities, which means it does not require further guidance once it has been launched.
The missile can target fighters, helicopters, and small drones. The system will also be incorporated into MBDA’s modular Sky Warden, a complete system built to counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
This VSHORAD solution is designed for paratroopers, amphibious forces, and for military vehicles such as the VTLM2.
According to an MBDA press release published on July 22, 2024, the VSHORAD is under development for the Italian Army following an operational requirement expressed in 2023.
The manufacturer noted that the system is compliant with NATO standards.
MBDA also said the new system is ready to be marketed to international customers.