The Indian Army is set to significantly upgrade its air defence capabilities with the planned acquisition of the indigenous ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile system, aimed at strengthening security along the borders with Pakistan and China. Defence officials confirmed that a tender has been issued to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop and supply five to six regiments of the system, formerly known as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM).
Estimated to cost around ₹30,000 crore, the project will provide the Army with a highly mobile and responsive air defence shield. The system can search, track and fire at aerial targets while on the move, and can engage threats during short halts, giving troops enhanced flexibility. With a range of about 30 km, Anant Shastra will complement the Army’s existing defence assets such as the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) and the Akash missile system, offering protection against short to medium-range aerial attacks.
The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the proposal soon after Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces successfully neutralised multiple Pakistani drones using a mix of L-70 and Zu-23 guns, as well as Akash and MRSAM systems. Extensive trials of Anant Shastra under day and night conditions have demonstrated its operational effectiveness.
Alongside this acquisition, the Army is also inducting new radars, jammers, laser-based anti-drone systems, and very short-range air defence weapons to counter advanced drones of Turkish and Chinese origin. Future indigenous additions to the Army’s arsenal include the Zorawar light tank and other advanced air defence platforms, reinforcing the push for greater self-reliance in defence production.
