The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is in the final stages of approving a landmark production contract for the indigenous Anant Shastra air defence system.
Also known as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), the system is poised to become the backbone of the Indian Army's mobile air defence network.
According to defence sources, the MoD aims to formally clear the deal—estimated at approximately ₹30,000 crore—by the end of March 2026.
This move transitions the system from its successful developmental trials into full-scale active service, addressing an urgent operational requirement for protecting mechanised columns in modern warfare.
Production and Partnership: A 'Make in India' Success
Under the finalized production plan, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has been designated as the lead Development cum Production Partner.The project exemplifies an integrated indigenous effort:
- DRDO: Spearheaded the research and development.
- BEL: Will serve as the lead integrator and manufacturer of electronics and radar systems.
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL): Responsible for manufacturing the missiles.
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T): Developed the mobile launcher vehicles.
This induction is vital for filling the vacuum left by the ageing Soviet-era OSA-AK systems, offering a significant leap in technology and reliability.
Anant Shastra: Designed for 'On-the-Move' Warfare
The defining characteristic of the Anant Shastra system is its ability to fight while moving.Unlike static defence systems that must halt and set up to fire, Anant Shastra is mounted on high-mobility 8x8 truck platforms. It features:
- Integrated Mobility: Carrying its own surveillance and fire-control radars, electro-optical sensors, and command centres.
- Fire-on-the-Move: The capability to detect, track, and engage aerial targets without stopping. This allows the system to keep pace with tanks and armoured vehicles pushing deep into enemy territory.
- 360-Degree Protection: Equipped with active phased array radars (four-walled), it provides gap-free coverage against incoming threats from any direction.
Countering Modern Aerial Threats
The operational doctrine for Anant Shastra focuses on neutralising a wide spectrum of modern battlefield threats. As Armoured Strike Corps advance, these units will provide a continuous shield against:- Drone Swarms & UAVs: The system is optimised to detect low-flying, small radar cross-section targets.
- Cruise Missiles & Helicopters: It offers a reaction time quick enough to intercept fast-moving tactical threats.
- Fighter Aircraft: With an interception range of 25–30 km and an altitude coverage of up to 10 km, it denies the enemy free reign over the battlefield.
Beyond the Battlefield: The 'Capital Dome'
While the Army is the primary user, the Anant Shastra system has also garnered interest from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for broader strategic roles.Reports indicate it will be a key component of the upcoming "Capital Dome" air defence architecture for the Delhi-NCR region.
Designed to protect VVIP zones, diplomatic enclaves, and strategic command centres, the Capital Dome will integrate Anant Shastra with other systems like the VL-SAM.
This networked shield ensures that India's political and military leadership remains protected under a multi-layered, indigenous air defence bubble.
Conclusion
If the production deal is cleared within the March 2026 timeline, the Anant Shastra QRSAM will represent a watershed moment for Indian defence.It not only secures the Army’s offensive power by providing organic, mobile protection but also reinforces the nation’s homeland security grid.
By converging tactical battlefield needs with strategic capital protection, Anant Shastra stands as a testament to the maturity of India's indigenous missile technology.
