QRSAM

In addition to the launcher, the missile system has two four-walled radars that provide 360-degree coverage: the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the Active Array Battery Multi-function Radar. An optical proximity fuze lessens the vulnerability to jamming.

• Name — Anant Shastra • Type — Surface-to-air missile • Origin — India • Is Missile — yes • Used By — Indian Army • Designer — Defence Research and Development Organisation • Manufacturer — * Bharat Electronics • Bharat Dynamics Limited • Production Date — 2023 – present • Weight — 270 kg • Length — 4.4 m • Diameter — 0.22 m • Filling — HMX/TNT, pre-fragmented • Filling Weight — 32 kg • Detonation — Optical proximity fuze • Engine — Single stage rocket motor • Payload Capacity — 22 tonne • Suspension — Leaf spring and air suspension with telescopic shock absorbers • Speed — Mach 3 • Guidance — Mid-course: INS + two-way datalink Terminal: ARH • Propellant — Solid fuel • Altitude — feet • Accuracy — *80% (single fire); simultaneous engagement: 6 targets • 100% (dual fire) • Launch Platform — 6 tube launcher mounted on 8 x 8 Ashok Leyland or Tata Motors Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL)

As a part of a replacement program for its obsolete 9K33M2 "Osa-AK" and 2K12E Kvadrat missile systems, Indian Army received a go-ahead to initiate a global acquisition program for quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles from the Ministry of Defence in September 2007. The acquisition program faced multiple issues, including poor response from vendors and re-tendering to avoid single source acquisition. In the meanwhile, a DRDO project to develop quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles was sanctioned in July 2014 with a budget of. The missile was developed in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited with both firms participating in development and manufacturing. In 2017, Indian Army's global acquisition program was dropped in favour of the locally developed QRSAM. The operational version meanwhile is awaiting production in mid-2021 after user trials. According to reports, the MoD is in the midst of deploying a multi-layered air defense network dubbed Capital Dome, which will include VL-SRSAM and Anant Shastra to defend the National Capital Region against missiles and drones.

• Illustration — QRSAM test with live warhead on 17 November 2020.

• The first test firing of the missile took place on 4 June 2017. This was followed by the second successful test on 3 July 2017. The test was conducted from Chandipur, Odisha. Around 100 scientists are working as part of the missile development program led by Defence Research and Development Laboratory. DRDO's other labs including Research Centre Imarat, Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), and Integrated Test Range are also contributing to the missile development effort. • On 22 December, the missile was test fired for the third time. The test was reported to be a success. • The fourth test took place on 8 October 2018 and was reported to be successful. • Fifth test was successfully performed on 26 February 2019. • The sixth test was conducted on 4 August 2019 at 11:05 am from a mobile truck-based launcher at the launch complex-3 of the ITR at Chandipur. • The seventh-test took place on 23 December 2019 from Abdul Kalam Island, which included two firings of the missile. With this test, the development of the missile was declared complete.

• On 13 November 2020, DRDO successfully conducted test fire of the system and achieved a major milestone by a direct hit on to a Banshee pilot-less target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude. • On 17 November 2020, DRDO successfully test-fired QRSAM with live warhead for the first time to check performance parameter of various subsystem. The integrated radar did tracking and target acquisition while mission computer managed automatic launch sequence. Upon missile launch, two way datalink was successfully established and helped activate radar homing guidance at terminal phase. Warhead activation and detonation was achieved when the target was close enough for destruction. The missile managed to hit and bring down an unmanned target vehicle at medium range and altitude. • Six flight tests were completed on 8 September 2022 off the Odisha coast, where QRSAM managed to intercept high speed maneuvering aerial targets with pin point accuracy under long-range medium altitude and short-range high altitude conditions in quick succession salvo firing. The tests were carried out in final deployment configuration with all indigenously developed subsystems including missile with radio-frequency seeker, mobile launcher, automated command and control system, surveillance and multi-function radars.

• The first Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) test was conducted by the DRDO on 23 August 2025 at around 12:30 pm IST, using QRSAM, Advanced VSHORAD, and a high-power laser-based DEW. Two high-speed fixed wing UAVs and a multicopter drone were engaged and destroyed simultaneously at varying distances and altitudes. The Centralised Command and Control System which guided the IADWS has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, the nodal laboratory of the programme. Meanwhile, the VSHORADS and DEW was developed by Research Centre Imarat, and Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences, respectively.

On 28 May 2024, it was reported that an order for QRSAM worth about is to be signed with Bharat Electronics in the following fiscal year. As per officials, the Corps of Army Air Defense's modernisation strategy called for the placement of QRSAM order. As of early June 2025, it was anticipated that the Defence Acquisition Council under the Ministry of Defence would authorize the purchase of three QRSAM regiments. The capital acquisition proposal was approved on 3 July 2025 by DAC, under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) route for the Army Air Defence. A tender for the purchase of Anant Shastra air defence system, earlier known as QRSAM, was issued by the Indian Army to Bharat Electronics on 27 September 2025. On April 8, 2026, BEL committed more than ₹562 crore to the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, allocating 75 hectares of land in Chitrakoot for the production of QRSAM.

• India • Indian Army • Indian Airforce

• Illustration — Sub-system validation test (3 July 2017). • Illustration — Aerodynamics verification, high maneuverability demo, propulsion & structural performance at various elevations (26 February 2019). • Illustration — Multiple threat engagement with live targets (4 August 2019). • Illustration — Flight-tested in full configuration deployment mode (23 December 2019). • Illustration — Maximum range tracking and direct hit of QinetiQ Banshee, by terminal active homing using RF seeker (13 November 2020). • Illustration — Proximity operation against QinetiQ Banshee. Warhead activation & performance assessment (17 November 2020). • Illustration — Flight-test against high-speed aerial targets mimicking different threat scenarios (1 September 2022). • Illustration — QRSAM test as part of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (23 August 2025).