Indian Army Set to Enhance Air Defence with ₹30,000 Crore Missile System

Strengthening Air Defence Capabilities

In a significant development, the Indian Army is poised to receive a substantial boost of ₹30,000 crore for a new surface-to-air missile system. This acquisition is expected to be approved by the Defence Ministry shortly, following the successful interception of Pakistani aircraft, missiles, and drones during Operation Sindoor. Defence officials have indicated that the proposal for procuring three regiments of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system will be discussed soon.

The QRSAM, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, boasts high mobility, allowing it to search, track, and engage targets while on the move. With an operational range of approximately 30 km, this system will enhance the capabilities of existing air defence systems like MRSAM and Akash, which cover short to medium ranges.

Extensive evaluations of the missile system have been conducted under various operational conditions, both day and night. A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council is scheduled for the fourth week of June to finalize the acquisition. During a recent four-day conflict with Pakistan, which utilized Chinese weaponry, the Indian Army's Air Defence units effectively neutralized a majority of drones using L-70 and Zu-23 air defence guns, while the Akash and MRSAM systems, alongside the Indian Air Force’s Spydwr and Sudarshan S-400 systems, played pivotal roles.

Additionally, the Army Air Defence is set to receive new radar systems, very short-range air defence systems, jammers, and laser-based technologies to counter drones originating from Turkey and China.