The Indian Army has moved a major step forward in modernising its air defence by issuing a tender for five to six regiments of the ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile system, earlier known as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM). The indigenous system is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is expected to cost around ₹30,000 crore.
Defence officials explained that the system is meant to bolster the Army’s layered air defence shield along the Pakistan and China borders, an area of critical concern in recent conflicts. During Operation Sindoor in May, Pakistani forces launched repeated drone attacks using Chinese-origin weaponry. These were largely repelled by the Indian Army’s air defence units with the help of L-70 and Zu-23 guns, supported by Akash and MRSAM missiles, as well as the Indian Air Force’s Spyder and S-400 systems. The success of that operation directly influenced the Defence Acquisition Council’s decision to clear the Anant Shastra project.
The upcoming missile system is described as highly mobile and agile, designed for “shoot and scoot” operations. It can search, track, and engage targets on the move, firing effectively even at short halts. With a range of about 30 km, it is expected to fill the gap in short-to-medium range air defence and complement existing assets like the MRSAM and Akash. Importantly, the Anant Shastra has been extensively tested under both day and night conditions, giving commanders confidence in its reliability during high-intensity engagements.
Beyond Anant Shastra, the Army is expanding its air defence ecosystem with new radars, very short-range missile systems, jammers, and laser-based anti-drone weapons to counter Turkish and Chinese-origin drones being fielded by Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Army chief, Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, has emphasised greater indigenisation, with other systems like the upcoming Zorawar light tank also set to join frontline units.
This procurement, when completed, will represent one of the Army’s most significant indigenous capability boosts in recent years, ensuring that its air defence network remains layered, resilient, and ready for evolving aerial threats.
