New Delhi: Anant Shastra QRSAM is expected to become one of India’s biggest indigenous air defence projects as the Ministry of Defence prepares to finalise a production contract worth around ₹30,000 crore. The deal will strengthen the Indian Army’s mobile air defence capabilities and support the government’s Make in India defence manufacturing initiative. According to defence reports, the system has completed key development trials and is now moving toward large-scale production and induction.
What Is the Anant Shastra QRSAM
The Anant Shastra Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is an indigenous mobile air defence system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Read also: DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous VSHORADS Missile System, Boosting India’s Short-Range Air Defence
It is designed to protect moving Army formations by detecting, tracking and destroying enemy aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles while on the move.
Anant Shastra QRSAM: ₹30,000 Crore Contract Nears Final Stage
The Ministry of Defence is reportedly preparing to sign the production contract in the coming weeks after receiving the necessary procurement approvals.
The project is among India’s largest indigenous missile production programmes and is expected to accelerate the Army’s modernisation plans.
Who Will Build the Anant Shastra QRSAM
The project will be led by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which will integrate the radar and command systems.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will manufacture the missiles, while Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will develop the mobile launcher vehicles. This partnership supports India’s growing domestic defence industry.
What are the Features of Anant Shastra QRSAM
The missile system is mounted on highly mobile 8×8 vehicles, allowing it to move with mechanised Army units.
It offers 360-degree radar coverage, advanced surveillance sensors and automated command-and-control capabilities. The system can detect, track and engage multiple aerial targets without stopping.
Why Does India Need This System?
Modern battlefields increasingly face threats from drones, loitering munitions and precision-guided weapons. The Anant Shastra QRSAM is designed to counter these threats by providing fast, mobile protection to frontline troops and armoured formations. Defence planners also see it as an important lesson from recent conflicts where drones played a major role.
Part of India’s Layered Air Defence
The new system is expected to work alongside existing air defence platforms such as Akash, MRSAM and S-400, creating a stronger multi-layered defence network.
Reports also indicate that the Indian Air Force may use the system to protect strategic locations, including airbases and command centres.
