QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile)

From Astra Kosh, the AlphaDefense encyclopedia · Category: Land Systems
Contents
  1. Design and Capability
  2. System Architecture
  3. Testing and Induction
  4. Specifications
  5. Sources

QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile), also referred to by its induction name “Anant Shastra,” is a mobile, all-weather surface-to-air missile system developed jointly by DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to protect Indian Army armoured columns and mechanised formations on the move from aerial attack.[1]

Design and Capability

QRSAM is a fully canisterised system, with missiles stored and operated from environmentally sealed compartments that ease transport and storage while extending shelf life. The system provides an engagement range of roughly 25–30 km, and is designed to detect and engage a target roughly 12 km out and 6 km up within about six seconds of detection — reflecting its “quick reaction” design philosophy for defending fast-moving formations.[1][2]

System Architecture

A QRSAM battery comprises a fully automated command-and-control system, an Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and an Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar, paired with mobile launchers. Distinctive “Search on Move,” “Track on Move,” and “Fire on Short Halts” capabilities allow it to provide continuous air-defence coverage to a moving armoured column without needing to stop and set up in a fixed position — a major operational advantage over legacy towed or slower-to-deploy air-defence systems.[1]

Testing and Induction

DRDO and the Indian Army conducted a series of successful flight tests, including a set of six flight-tests off the Odisha coast validating the full weapon system. The Indian government approved QRSAM’s induction in July 2025, with final trials expected to conclude by the end of 2026, clearing the way for the Indian Army to acquire an initial planned tranche of five systems.[3][1]

Specifications

Type Mobile, canisterised quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system
Developer DRDO, BEL, BDL
Range 25–30 km
Reaction time ~6 seconds from detection to engagement solution
Radars Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar; Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar
Key modes Search on Move, Track on Move, Fire on Short Halts
Government approval July 2025
User Indian Army

Sources

  1. Bharat Shakti / Wikipedia, “QRSAM.”
  2. GlobalSecurity.org, “India Army – Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM).”
  3. PIB, “DRDO & Indian Army successfully conduct six flight-tests of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system off Odisha coast.”