When the Indian Army announced a ₹30,000 crore tender in September 2025 to induct the Anant Shastra missile system, it was not just another defence deal. This decision reflects India’s determination to defend its skies with indigenous technology and to strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Known as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) during development, the Anant Shastra missile is designed to provide mobile, short-range air defence for frontline troops. From drones and loitering munitions to fighter jets and cruise missiles, this system is India’s shield for the battlefields of tomorrow.
What Is the Anant Shastra Missile System?
The Anant Shastra air defence system is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) developed by DRDO and manufactured in collaboration with BEL and BDL.
Its primary role is to protect moving mechanised formations, including tanks, artillery, and infantry columns, from aerial threats. Unlike static systems, it is a shoot-and-scoot missile system that can search, track, and engage targets while on the move, ensuring constant protection in high-threat zones.
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Technical Specifications of Anant Shastra / QRSAM
Here are the key details most people search for when asking “QRSAM range or QRSAM specifications”:
- Range: 25–30 km (effective against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles).
- Altitude Coverage: Up to ~10 km.
- Guidance: Inertial navigation with mid-course datalink, and an active radar homing seeker in the terminal phase.
- Warhead: 32 kg pre-fragmented high-explosive with optical proximity fuze (resistant to jamming).
- Launcher: 6-tube canisterised launcher on 8×8 high-mobility trucks.
- Radars: Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and Multi-Function Radar (360° coverage).
- Mobility: Capable of Search on Move, Track on Move, and Fire on Short Halts.
- Kill Probability: Over 90% in trials.
These specifications make Anant Shastra one of the most advanced mobile air defence systems in India.
Why India Needs the Anant Shastra
Protecting Mobile Forces
Modern wars demand speed. Armoured regiments advancing in Ladakh or Rajasthan need constant cover from enemy drones, attack helicopters, and cruise missiles. Anant Shastra ensures that troops remain shielded while on the move.
Counter-Drone Shield
From Ukraine to the Middle East, drones have proven deadly. The Anant Shastra missile system provides a counter-drone air defence shield, capable of detecting and destroying UAVs and loitering munitions before they strike.
Border Deployment
Initial regiments are expected to be deployed along the China-Pakistan border. This strengthens deterrence in sensitive zones such as Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, where aerial incursions are frequent.
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India–China Border Threats: Why Anant Shastra Matters
The urgency to induct the Anant Shastra missile system is closely tied to threats along the China border. From my perspective, here is why it matters most:
- PLA Drone Swarms: China has deployed reconnaissance and armed UAVs in Tibet and Xinjiang. Anant Shastra’s counter-drone capability is designed to neutralise them.
- Low-Flying Helicopters: Chinese Z-20 and Mi-171 helicopters often patrol near Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. With a 25–30 km QRSAM range, Anant Shastra can intercept them quickly.
- Cruise Missile Defence: The PLA’s investment in precision long-range strike weapons makes layered air defence vital. Anant Shastra complements Akash, MR-SAM, and S-400 systems to plug short-range gaps.
- Forward Deployment: Stationing regiments in Ladakh and the Northeast sectors ensures Indian forces are never left exposed to sudden intrusions.
- Strategic Message: More than technology, it signals to Beijing that India’s skies will be guarded by indigenous systems, strengthening deterrence and self-reliance.
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QRSAM vs Akash vs MR-SAM: Where Does It Fit?
A common query is “QRSAM vs Akash vs MR-SAM – which is better?”. The answer lies in their roles.
| System | Range | Mobility | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| QRSAM / Anant Shastra | 25–30 km | High (shoot-and-scoot) | Protect moving formations, counter drones |
| Akash Missile | Up to 70 km | Medium | Medium-range defence against aircraft and UAVs |
| MR-SAM | 70–100 km | Low (static) | Long-range asset and base defence |
These systems complement each other. Together, they form India’s layered air defence network.
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Trials and Procurement Journey
Key Milestones
- 2017–2019: Successful trials at Chandipur against various aerial targets.
- 2023–2024: User trials by the Indian Army under day and night conditions.
- August 2025: Tested under the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), intercepting UAV swarms.
- September 2025: ₹30,000 crore BEL missile order issued for five to six regiments.
BEL’s Role
The BEL contract ensures not only production but also strengthens India’s defence industrial base, creating jobs and building supply-chain capacity.
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Strengths of Anant Shastra
- Indigenous design, fully made in India.
- 360-degree radar coverage with automation.
- Effective against drones and loitering munitions.
- High mobility with “search and fire on the move” capability.
- Strong kill probability (over 90%).
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Challenges Ahead
- Electronic Warfare (EW): Needs to counter advanced jamming and spoofing.
- Production timelines: Delivering six regiments on schedule will be challenging.
- High-altitude deployment: Harsh conditions in the Himalayas will test reliability.
- Network integration: Must work seamlessly with Akash, MR-SAM, and S-400.
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Future Outlook
The Anant Shastra QRSAM missile is not the end but the beginning of a family of systems. In the future, we may see:
- Extended-range variants (40–50 km).
- Dual-seeker missiles (Radar and IR).
- Export potential for friendly nations.
- AI-driven integration into IADWS networks.
- Variants for the Air Force and the Navy for base and ship defence.
If these plans succeed, Anant Shastra could become India’s flagship export in missile defence.
Conclusion: My Perspective
For decades, India relied on imports for frontline air defence. Today, with the Anant Shastra missile system (QRSAM), we finally have a homegrown, mobile, short-range air defence shield.
The ₹30,000 crore BEL order is more than a contract. It is a symbol of confidence, deterrence, and self-reliance. Whether defending against drones, protecting borders, or empowering our industry, the Anant Shastra will be a backbone of India’s air defence in the 21st century.
For me, this missile is not just hardware. It represents India’s resolve to secure its sovereignty with its own technology. It sends a clear message to adversaries: the skies over India will always remain guarded.
FAQs on Anant Shastra Missile System
Q1. What is the range of the Anant Shastra missile (QRSAM)?
The missile has a range of 25–30 km and can engage targets up to ~10 km altitude.
Q2. Is Anant Shastra the same as QRSAM?
Yes. Anant Shastra is the Indian Army’s operational name for the indigenous QRSAM system developed by DRDO.
Q3. How many regiments is the Indian Army inducting?
The Army plans to induct five to six regiments under a ₹30,000 crore order placed with BEL.
Q4. What threats can Anant Shastra counter?
It can destroy drones, UAVs, helicopters, fighter aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Q5. Who is producing the Anant Shastra missile system?
It is developed by DRDO and produced by BEL and BDL under the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative.