What is QRSAM defence system and why it matters for India's military ambitions? Explained

Time of India

2 days ago

India's indigenous defence capabilities have taken a significant leap with the development of the
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
(
QRSAM
) system — a mobile, short-range air defence solution tailored for the Indian Army's frontline requirements.
Here's a breakdown of what it is, how far it can reach, and where it fits into India's broader air defence architecture.
What is QRSAM?
The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is a state-of-the-art, indigenous
air defence system
designed to safeguard moving mechanised and armoured units from hostile aerial threats.
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Developed by the
Defence Research and Development Organisation
(
DRDO
) in collaboration with
Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL) and
Bharat Dynamics Limited
(BDL), it is optimised for high mobility and rapid deployment in dynamic battlefield environments.
Mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility Ashok Leyland Defence Systems vehicle, QRSAM can fire-on-the-move or from short halts, giving Indian forces continuous air cover while manoeuvring.
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A key technological highlight is its dual radar configuration — the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar — both providing 360-degree coverage for detection, tracking, and simultaneous engagement of multiple aerial targets.
Range and Capabilities
The QRSAM is engineered to intercept threats within a 25 to 30 km range and at altitudes of up to 10 km. It employs an indigenous active radar seeker operating in both Ku and X frequency bands, coupled with a laser proximity fuze, which enhances hit accuracy and reduces vulnerability to electronic jamming.
Designed for day and night operations, QRSAM can neutralise fast-moving aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles, making it highly effective against modern aerial threats. Its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously ensures robust protection for Army units advancing in hostile territory.
Position in India's Air Defence Ecosystem
QRSAM plays a critical short-range role within India's multi-layered air defence shield, offering protection to ground forces where longer-range systems might not be viable or responsive enough.
It is strategically placed between very short-range systems like the Igla-S and L-70 guns, and medium to long-range systems such as:
Akash Missile System: Indigenous medium-range system (range ~25 km)
MRSAM (Medium Range SAM): Jointly developed with Israel (range ~70 km)
S-400 Triumf
: Russian-made long-range system (range ~380 km)
Barak-8: Indo-Israeli medium-range missile (range ~70 km)
What sets QRSAM apart is its mobility and responsiveness, making it the Army's go-to system for frontline air defence, particularly along India's sensitive northern and western borders.
The system is set to be inducted in multiple regiments as part of a ₹30,000 crore procurement plan, aimed at modernising the Army's air defence regiments and enhancing their ability to counter evolving aerial threats in real-time.