Indian Army’s Konark Corps tests Strela-10 air defence missiles in Pokhran, hits targets with precision

JAISALMER: Indian Army Forged for Firepower, Ready for Battle, Regarding The Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade, under the Indian Army’s Konark Corps, successfully conducted a high-intensity test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s desert sector on Thursday.The live firing exercise showcased the formation’s combat readiness and operational precision in neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats.The Strela-10 surface-to-air missile system, with an effective engagement range of approximately 6 to 10 kilometres, was launched from a BMP-based mobile platform. The missile achieved direct hits on simulated enemy targets, underlining the system’s accuracy and lethality in challenging desert terrain.Defence officials said that the exercise was aimed at validating firing standards, sharpening crew coordination, and testing engagement protocols under realistic battlefield conditions. The drill highlighted seamless integration between surveillance, target acquisition and missile deployment units.The Strela-10, originally a Soviet-designed, highly mobile short-range air defence system, is primarily designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and increasingly relevant modern threats such as drones. Unlike many radar-dependent systems, the Strela-10 relies significantly on visual target acquisition, making crew training and battlefield awareness critical components of its operational success.The Konark Corps formation demonstrated exceptional fire discipline and tactical proficiency during the exercise. The desert environment of Rajasthan, marked by high temperatures, shifting sands and long visibility ranges, provided a demanding backdrop for the validation of air defence capabilities.Officials emphasized that such exercises are routinely conducted to maintain peak operational preparedness, particularly in strategically significant sectors. The successful firing once again reinforced the Indian Army’s ability to safeguard airspace against emerging aerial threats.While the Strela-10 system continues to remain in active service, India is simultaneously advancing indigenous air defence capabilities, including the development of a homegrown Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) with an approximate 6 km engagement range.The demonstration stood as a powerful display of precision, grit and dominance — reaffirming that the Desert Warriors remain battle-ready, mission-focused and fully prepared to secure the skies.