MoD Set to Approve Induction of Three QRSAM Regiments for Army Air Defense Along Western and Northern Borders

In a significant move to bolster India’s short-range air defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to take up a critical proposal to procure three regiments of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system for the Indian Army. These regiments are planned to be deployed along both the western and northern borders — regions facing constant aerial threats from adversaries like Pakistan and China.

Indigenous QRSAM: Backbone of Tactical Air Defence

Developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the QRSAM is a mobile, all-weather, quick-reaction missile system designed specifically for the Indian Army's unique operational requirements. It is capable of detecting, tracking and neutralizing multiple aerial threats — including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions — at ranges up to 30 km and altitudes of 10 km.

The system uses a two-stage solid-fuel propellant and features an indigenous active radar seeker, which ensures high hit probability even against fast-moving and low-flying targets. It operates on the “shoot-and-scoot” principle, which allows the launcher vehicle to fire the missile and then relocate rapidly, reducing vulnerability to counterstrikes.

Advanced Features and Mobility

The QRSAM system is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar: For 360-degree surveillance and fire control.

• Autonomous Launcher Vehicles: Capable of firing six missiles in quick succession.

• Fully Network-Centric Architecture: Ensures real-time threat analysis, target allocation, and coordination between sensors, launchers, and command posts.

• High Mobility: Mounted on 8x8 Tatra trucks, the system is designed to keep pace with forward-deployed mechanized forces.

These features make QRSAM uniquely suitable for protection of mobile military formations as well as strategic installations in the forward areas.

Strategic Deployment: Eye on Western and Northern Fronts

The decision to induct three regiments is based on operational urgency, considering increasing aerial threats from both western (Pakistan) and northern (China) fronts. The deployment plan includes:

• Western Border (Rajasthan & Punjab): Countering low-flying aerial threats including PAF fighter jets and UAVs.

• Northern Border (Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh): Securing vulnerable mountainous sectors against PLA's drone and helicopter incursions, especially after heightened tensions since the Galwan clash.

The regiments will be stationed to offer layered air defence and fill the gap between shoulder-fired systems like Igla-S and longer-range missile systems such as Akash and the Russian S-400.

Fast-Tracked Approval and Induction

The MoD’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to fast-track the approval under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with an estimated value of over ₹30,000 crore for the three regiments or More. Once approved, production and induction are expected to begin within 18 to 24 months, with DRDO and BDL ramping up production capacities to meet the demand.

This procurement would also be a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, providing opportunities for ancillary suppliers and technology partners.

The QRSAM regiments are a vital addition to India’s air defence matrix at a time when modern warfare is increasingly characterized by rapid, high-speed aerial threats. Their induction will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s ability to secure forward areas and mobile columns from hostile air attacks, contributing to a more robust and indigenous multi-tier air defence network.