QRSAM WILL PLUG A KEY GAP IN INDIA'S AIR DÉFENSE ARCHITECTURE

The incorporation of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) into India's sophisticated network will enhance air defence capabilities, bolstering India's ability to withstand increasing security challenges. A Special Report

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India's robust, multilayered air defence network demonstrated its capability during the latest Indo-Pakistan conflict, achieving an enviable 100 per cent interception rate. The integration of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) into this formidable arsenal will further strengthen air defence, fortifying India's resilience against escalating security threats.

A proposal for the acquisition of three regiments of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system for the Indian Army at a cost of about 30,000 crores is slated for review by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) at an upcoming Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting.

The homegrown air defence system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

The Indian Army plans to deploy the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) along India's western and northern borders to counter dual security threats from Pakistan and China, respectively.

The development of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) spans nearly two decades. In 2007, the Indian Army launched a global acquisition program to replace its outdated Soviet-era Osa-AK and Kvadrat missile systems with advanced quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles. Unfortunately, the program encountered several obstacles, including limited vendor participation and complications surrounding single-source acquisition.

Meanwhile, the DRDO sanctioned a project to develop the QRSAM locally in 2014. The first test flight of this system came in 2017, positioning it as a strong contender for the Indian Army's requirements.

Frustrated by persistent challenges in procuring a quick-reaction surface-to-air missile from foreign vendors, the Indian Army abandoned its global acquisition program, opting instead for the indigenously developed QRSAM.