New Delhi : India is set to significantly boost its aerial security as the Ministry of Defence prepares to greenlight a major procurement of indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) systems, expected to cost around ₹30,000 crore. The move comes as part of India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense production and is likely to be approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, by the end of this month.
Once cleared, the project will receive Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) status, marking a crucial step towards acquisition.
Fast and Accurate: QR-SAM’s Edge
The QR-SAM is a highly mobile, quick-reaction, all-weather, and indigenously developed air defense system. Capable of neutralizing enemy fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones within a range of 25–30 kilometers, the system is designed to deliver swift and precise strikes in diverse combat conditions. Developed by DRDO in collaboration with the Indian Army, the system has been extensively tested in both day and night conditions, and under multiple threat scenarios.
Two state-run defense firms, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), will jointly manufacture the systems.
Proven Performance in Operation Sindoor
The decision to induct QR-SAM into the Indian Army follows its successful deployment in Operation Sindoor (May 7–10), during which Indian forces intercepted Turkish-origin drones and Chinese missiles launched from across the border. The system’s performance during this high-stakes operation proved its operational viability and effectiveness.
According to senior officials, QR-SAM is capable of detecting, tracking, and targeting threats even while in motion, making it ideal for deployment alongside tanks and infantry combat vehicles, thereby offering real-time protection to frontline units.
The Indian Army is currently seeking 11 regiments of QR-SAM systems. These will complement the already inducted Akash SAM systems, another indigenous platform with a similar strike range.
Complementing Existing Arsenal
The induction of QR-SAM will significantly strengthen India’s layered air defense network, which already includes:
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Russian S-400 Triumf systems (range: 380 km)
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Barak-8 medium-range SAMs (range: 70 km), co-developed with Israel
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Igla-S shoulder-fired Russian missiles (range: 6 km)
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L-70 anti-aircraft guns (range: 3.5 km)
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Domestic anti-drone systems (range: 1–2 km)
Together, these assets form a multi-tiered shield for India’s skies, safeguarding both civilian and military infrastructure.
Vision for the Future: Project Kusha
India’s quest for aerial supremacy doesn’t end with QR-SAM. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also developing a Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) with a 6-km range for close-in protection.
However, the real game-changer is Project Kusha, which aims to develop a long-range air defense system with a strike range of up to 350 kilometers. The system is expected to be operational by 2028–2029. In September 2023, the Defence Ministry approved an AoN worth ₹21,700 crore for the procurement of five squadrons of this futuristic platform for the Indian Air Force.
As India steadily replaces imported systems with homegrown defense technologies, QR-SAM’s upcoming deployment marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward strategic autonomy and enhanced security.
