The Ministry of Defense is set to discuss a INR 30000 crore Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) project aimed at strengthening India’s air defense along the Pakistani border. This project involves deploying three regiments. Why is this project so vital? Let’s delve in.
Project Details:
Budget: INR 30000 crore
Missile: QRSAM with a range of 30 kilometers, suited for short to medium distances.
Deployment: Three regiments along the western and northern borders.
Military Operation: During Operation Sindhur, Indian army and air force defense systems successfully countered attacks from Pakistani aircraft, missiles, and drones.
Discussion Date: Proposal inclusion at the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting in the fourth week of June 2025.
Key Features of QRSAM
QRSAM is an indigenous missile system tested in both day and night scenarios. With a 30-kilometer range, it complements existing systems like MRSAM and Akash, effectively targeting enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones.
Source: aajtak
Success Against Pakistan
During Operation Sindhur, Indian air defense units decimated Pakistani drones using L-70 and Zu-23 air defense guns, with Akash and MRSAM playing pivotal roles. The Indian Air Force's Spider and S-400 systems provided additional support, effectively neutralizing the threat even with Pakistani forces using Chinese weapons.
New Technologies
The Army Air Defense is acquiring new radars, very short-range air defense systems, jammers, and laser-based systems to counter drones of Turkish and Chinese origin possessed by Pakistan. This initiative will boost the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, reducing our reliance on foreign weaponry and enhancing border security.
QRSAM's Strength
The QRSAM missile, traveling at an impressive speed of approximately 6000 km/hr, is designed for efficiency with a fire-and-forget capability. It can be armed with HMX/TNT or pre-fragmented warheads, weighing 32 kg. With a range of 3 to 30 km, it can operate from heights of 98 feet to 33,000 feet, launched via a six-tube launcher truck.
Source: aajtak
