India's Defence Ministry Approves ₹30,000 Crore for Indigenous QR-SAM Systems
The Indian Defence Ministry is poised to approve a ₹30,000 crore proposal for the acquisition of three regiments of indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) systems. This decision, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to bolster the army's air defense capabilities against aerial threats. The QR-SAM systems are designed to intercept enemy aircraft and drones at distances of 25 to 30 kilometers. This initiative follows the successful performance of existing air defense systems during recent military operations. The collaboration between Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited will facilitate the manufacturing of these advanced systems, enhancing India's defense infrastructure significantly.
| Jun 10, 2025, 11:01 IST
New Indigenous QR-SAM Systems for Indian Army
The Defence Ministry is set to consider an initial approval for a proposal worth ₹30,000 crore to procure three regiments of new indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) systems for the army. Reports indicate that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will deliberate on granting 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AoN) for these mobile QR-SAM systems by the end of this month. These systems are designed to intercept enemy fighter jets, helicopters, and drones at distances ranging from 25 to 30 kilometers.
This initiative comes at a time when India's existing multi-layered air defense system played a crucial role in thwarting attacks from Turkish drones and Chinese missiles during 'Operation Sindoor' (which took place between May 7 and 10). Over the past three to four years, the DRDO and the army have conducted various tests on QR-SAM systems against a range of threats and high-speed aerial targets to evaluate their capabilities in both day and night conditions. It is reported that public sector companies in the defense sector—Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)—will collaborate to manufacture these systems.
Providing insights about these systems, an official stated, "QR-SAM systems are capable of conducting operations on the move, featuring search and track capabilities, and can fire with minimal downtime."
They are specifically designed to operate alongside tanks and infantry combat vehicles to provide aerial protection in tactical battlefields. Notably, the Army Air Defence (AAD), which performed exceptionally during Operation Sindoor, requires 11 regiments of QR-SAM. While the army is also incorporating indigenous 'Akash' system regiments, its current interception capability is approximately 25 km.
The inclusion of QR-SAM systems will further strengthen the existing air defense network of both the Air Force and the army. Regarding the systems already in place, the military possesses the Russian S-400 'Triumph' long-range surface-to-air missile system, which has an interception range of 380 km. Additionally, there is the Barak-8 medium-range SAM system, developed in collaboration with Israel, which has a range of 70 km. The forces also utilize Russian 'Igla-S' shoulder-fired missiles with a 6 km range, advanced L-70 anti-aircraft guns (3.5 km), and an indigenous integrated drone detection and interdiction system with a range of 1-2 km.
Furthermore, the DRDO is developing a very short-range air defense missile system (VSHORADS) with an interception capability of 6 km. However, the true "game-changer" will be the air defense system with a range of 350 km, which is being developed under the ambitious 'Project Kusha.' According to media reports, India plans to operationalize this long-range system by 2028-2029. In September 2023, the Defence Ministry approved an AoN for the procurement of five squadrons at a cost of ₹21,700 crore.