SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed that fresh trials for the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system will be completed by the end of 2026. Following the successful completion of these trials, the Indian Army is expected to place orders for five QRSAM weapon systems, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as the manufacturer.
The QRSAM system, developed by DRDO, is a cutting-edge air defence missile designed to protect mobile formations and high-value assets against aerial threats. The system is particularly crucial for the Indian Army, offering quick reaction capabilities with its ability to “Search on Move,” “Track on Move,” and “Fire on Short Halts.” This allows the system to be deployed rapidly and respond to emerging threats without the need for a fixed position, making it ideal for dynamic battlefield environments.
The QRSAM system was last successfully tested from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the Odisha coast, in 2022. The trials demonstrated the missile’s accuracy, reliability, and overall capability, cementing its status as a vital part of India’s defence architecture.
However, in 2023, media reports indicated that the Indian Army had suggested certain modifications to the QRSAM system based on operational requirements. These suggestions have been incorporated into the missile design, ensuring that the QRSAM meets the specific needs of the Army for enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility.
With the final trials scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the Indian Army is expected to begin procurement soon after. The acquisition of five QRSAM weapon systems will bolster India’s air defence capabilities, providing quick, effective protection against aerial threats in the battlefield.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, will be responsible for manufacturing the QRSAM systems. BEL’s extensive experience in the development and production of defence electronics positions it as a key player in delivering this critical capability to the Indian Army.
Key Features and Capabilities of QRSAM
- Search and Track on the Move: The QRSAM can detect and track enemy aircraft or missiles while in motion, a significant advancement over older systems that required stationary operations.
- Engagement at Short Halts: It can fire at targets even during short halts, providing an essential tactical advantage during fast-moving combat situations.
- Multiple Target Engagement: The system is capable of engaging multiple aerial threats simultaneously, such as aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
QRSAM is equipped with advanced electronic countermeasures to defeat incoming electronic warfare threats, further enhancing its survivability in a modern combat environment.
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