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A New Era in Army Air Defence
In a major boost to India’s military capabilities, the government on Thursday approved the induction of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system — a cutting-edge, mobile air defence solution designed to neutralise aerial threats with lightning speed.
The push for new QRSAM regiments follows the success of Operation Sindoor, during which Indian air defence units—across the Army and Air Force—effectively neutralized multiple aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and drones launched from across the border.
During the four-day cross-border engagement, Army Air Defence units employed L-70 and Zu-23 guns in combination with Akash and MRSAM systems, while the Indian Air Force deployed Spider and Sudarshan S-400 platforms to thwart incoming threats. The QRSAM, which has undergone extensive trials, proved its reliability in both day and night operations under varied battlefield conditions.
Built for the Battlefield: What Makes QRSAM Special?
QRSAM is engineered for modern, high-intensity warfare. Mounted on an 8×8 high-mobility vehicle and armed with six ready-to-fire missiles, it is tailor-made to protect moving tank formations deep inside enemy territory. The system is fully autonomous, with each missile capable of simultaneously engaging and destroying multiple targets, including fighter aircraft, drones, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions, at ranges of up to 30 kilometres.
Unjammable and Unstoppable
One of QRSAM’s standout features is its advanced electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) suite, which makes it highly resistant to jamming and electronic interference. It ensures seamless performance even in contested electromagnetic environments — a decisive advantage in modern warfare.
Indigenous and Integrated
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), QRSAM is a shining example of India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Every component — from the missiles and radars to the command vehicle — has been developed domestically.
A Leap Beyond Legacy Systems
India’s current mobile air defence assets — including the Russian-origin Shilka, Tunguska, Strela-10M, Osa-AK, and Pechora systems — are ageing and gradually being retired. While the Akash missile system has begun replacing some of them, it is largely stationary. QRSAM restores the much-needed mobility and agility that modern battlefield scenarios demand.
What Lies Ahead
With a planned procurement of three full QRSAM regiments for Rs 33,000 crore, the Indian Army is poised for a significant transformation in its air defence posture. All field trials have been completed, and deployment is expected in the near future.
Team BharatShakti
