The Indian Army is procuring the Anant Shastra air defense missile system, the new name for the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This indigenous system is designed to provide highly mobile, short-range air defense for troops on the move. 

Key features of Anant Shastra

• Purpose: To protect mobile mechanized forces, including tanks and infantry columns, from aerial threats in the battlefield. It is designed to counter enemy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
• Mobility: Mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility truck, the system has "Search on the Move," "Track on the Move," and "Fire on Short Halts" capabilities. This allows it to advance alongside ground forces and engage targets quickly.
• Range: The missile has an operational range of approximately 30 km and can intercept targets flying at altitudes up to 10 km.
• Guidance: It uses inertial navigation with a mid-course datalink and an active radar homing seeker in the terminal phase for high accuracy.
• Radar: The system features 360-degree coverage provided by an Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and an Active Array Battery Multi-function Radar.
• Indigenous development: The Anant Shastra was developed by DRDO and is being produced in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), as part of India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) defense initiative.
• Procurement and deployment: The Indian Army issued a tender in September 2025 to procure five to six regiments of the system for deployment along the northern and western borders with China and Pakistan. The total project is estimated at around ₹30,000 crore.
• Combat testing: The system's effectiveness was validated during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where Indian forces countered Pakistani drone attacks. 

Operational Role

• Deployment: Intended for India's western and northern borders with Pakistan and China; complements Akash and MRSAM for layered air defence.
• Battlefield Impact: Protects mechanised formations (tanks, IFVs, artillery) by neutralising modern aerial threats; enhances operational flexibility.
• Network Integration: Linked to the Akashteer command and control system, enabling real-time coordination and force multiplication.

Technical Specifications Table
 

Feature	Anant Shastra Specs
Range	30–40 km
Max Altitude	6–10 km
Launcher	8x8 high mobility vehicle
Missile Guidance	INS mid-course, Active Radar Homing terminal
Radars	360° active array, 120 km BSR, 80 km BMFR
Fire-on-the-move	Yes
Warhead Type	Pre-fragmented, optical proximity fuze
Targets	Aircraft, helicopters, drones, missiles, rockets
Indigenous Content	>90%, aiming for 99%
Estimated Cost	₹30,000 crore

 
Anant Shastra represents a major advancement in India's battlefield air defence, combining mobility, high-tech sensors, automation, and indigenous capabilities to protect armed forces against evolving aerial threats.
 
Anant Shastra vs. other Indian systems

The Anant Shastra fills a crucial gap in India's layered air defense network. A comparison of its role with other Indian systems shows its unique positioning: 

• Anant Shastra (QRSAM): 25–30 km range, protects moving formations, and specializes in countering drones and loitering munitions.
• Akash Missile System: Up to 70 km range, used for medium-range air defense against aircraft and UAVs.
• MR-SAM: 70–100 km range, provides long-range defense for assets and bases.
• S-400 "Sudarshan Chakra": 400 km range, Russia-supplied system providing long-range, strategic air defense. 

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