New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen its air defence capabilities, the Indian Army is poised to receive a significant ₹30,000 crore upgrade with the induction of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system. The Defence Ministry is expected to clear the proposal for acquiring three QRSAM regiments in an upcoming meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council, likely scheduled for the fourth week of June.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the QRSAM system is designed to provide rapid and mobile air defence solutions. The system is capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging aerial threats while on the move or during brief halts. With an operational range of approximately 30 kilometres, it will augment existing air defence platforms such as the Akash and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems.
The QRSAM has undergone rigorous testing under both day and night conditions, demonstrating its effectiveness across diverse operational scenarios.
This acquisition comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a recent four-day conflict with Pakistan, during which Indian air defence units successfully countered aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and aircraft. Pakistani forces used Chinese-supplied weaponry during the engagement. The Indian Army’s air defence units neutralised the majority of hostile drones using legacy systems like the L-70 and ZU-23 guns, while the Akash and MRSAM systems, alongside the Indian Air Force’s Spyder and S-400 systems, played pivotal roles.
In addition to QRSAM, the Army is also enhancing its air defence network with new radars, very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS), electronic jammers, and laser-based counter-drone technologies aimed at neutralising drone threats originating from Turkish and Chinese sources.
This move marks a significant step in modernising India’s integrated air defence shield and boosting the army’s preparedness along the western and northern borders.
