NATIONAL
India Approves ₹36,000 Crore Deal for QRSAM Regiments: First Major Defence Acquisition Post Operation Sindoor
In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of three regiments of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system for the Indian Army. This is the first major defence purchase following the success of Operation Sindoor, and is seen as a critical move to bolster air defence along the Pakistan and China borders.
Indigenous QRSAM: Backbone of India’s Tactical Air Defence
Developed by DRDO and to be manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd, QRSAM is a short-range air defence system designed to protect moving armoured columns and mechanized units from aerial threats like drones, helicopters, and low-flying missiles.
Deal Highlights:
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Total Cost: ₹36,000 crore
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System: Indigenous QRSAM
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Regiments Approved: 3
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Deployments Planned: Western (Pakistan) and Northern (China) borders
Why This Approval Matters:
After Operation Sindoor (May 2025), where Pakistan used a mix of low-altitude drones, loitering munitions, and mini cruise missiles, QRSAM’s effectiveness in countering such aerial threats was proven in combat. Now, its deployment will strengthen India’s last line of air defence in active war zones.
Key Features of QRSAM:
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Mounted on an 8×8 high-mobility Ashok Leyland truck for quick relocation |
| Search on Move | Can track aerial threats even while in motion |
| Fire on Short Halt | Can launch missiles within seconds of halting |
| 360° Radar Coverage | Equipped with BSR and BMFR AESA radars (120 km detection range) |
| Multi-target Engagement | Can track and destroy up to 6 threats simultaneously |
| All-weather Operation | Works in day/night and adverse weather conditions |
| Effective Range | 25–30 km range, targets up to 10 km altitude |
| Canister-based Design | Ensures longer shelf life and faster launch capability |
| Fully Indigenous | Developed under ‘Make in India’ initiative |
Where Will QRSAM Be Deployed?
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Western Border (Pakistan): Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu sectors — areas of rapid tank and infantry movement
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Northern Border (China/LAC): High-altitude sectors like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh
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Air Force Bases & Strategic Installations: To protect against surprise airstrikes and drone attacks
Why QRSAM Is a Strategic Game Changer:
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Bridges the gap between long-range systems (like S-400) and close-range defence
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Completes India’s multi-layered air defence shield
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Provides real-time battlefield protection to moving formations
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Reduces dependence on foreign defence systems and enhances self-reliance
