India’s Defence Ministry is preparing to review a major ₹30,000 crore proposal to acquire three regiments of the homegrown Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) system for the Indian Army. This move follows a series of failed drone and missile attacks by Pakistan after India carried out Operation Sindoor from May 7 to 10.
Defence Council to Take Key Decision
The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is likely to consider the proposal later this month. The council may give the initial clearance known as the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the missile purchase.
What is the QR-SAM System?
The QR-SAM system is a mobile air defence weapon. It is designed to shoot down enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones within a range of 25 to 30 kilometres. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the system, and it has performed successfully in tests during both daytime and night operations.
Two major defence firms—Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics—will jointly produce the system.
A source told TOI, “The QR-SAM systems can operate while on the move, with search and track capability, and fire during short halts. They are tailor-made to move alongside tanks and infantry combat vehicles to provide them with air defence in the tactical battlefield.”
Operation Sindoor Success Boosts Demand
India‘s interest in QR-SAMs has grown after Pakistani drones and Chinese missiles failed to breach Indian air defences during Operation Sindoor. The Army Air Defence (AAD) units performed impressively during the operation, successfully shooting down enemy drones.
Currently, the Army needs 11 regiments of QR-SAM systems. These will support the ongoing deployment of the Akash missile system, another indigenous weapon with a similar interception range of 25 km.
Strengthening India’s Multi-Layered Air Defence
Adding QR-SAMs will enhance India’s already strong air defence network. This network includes:
-
Russian S-400 Triumf missiles with a 380 km range
-
Barak-8 medium-range missiles developed with Israel (70 km range)
-
Russian Igla-S shoulder-fired missiles (6 km range)
-
L-70 anti-aircraft guns (3.5 km range)
-
Indigenous systems that detect and neutralize drones (1–2 km range)
With QR-SAMs joining the arsenal, India aims to further secure its skies and protect ground forces in any future conflict.