India is planning to boost its air defence by purchasing three regiments of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) system. The proposal, worth ₹30,000 crore, will soon be reviewed by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairs the council and may grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) later this month, according to The Times of India.

Pakistan’s Failed Attacks Prompt Urgency

This decision follows Operation Sindoor, which India conducted from May 7 to 10. During the operation, Indian forces successfully intercepted Turkish-made drones and Chinese-origin missiles launched by Pakistan. These failed attacks highlighted the need for stronger and quicker missile defence systems.

QR-SAM Can Strike on the Move

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the QR-SAM system. It is built to shoot down enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones within a range of 25 to 30 km.

Importantly, the QR-SAM works in both day and night conditions. Two Indian defence firms—Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics—will manufacture the system. “The QR-SAM systems can operate while on the move, with search and track capability, and fire during short halts,” a source told. “They are tailor-made to move alongside tanks and infantry combat vehicles to provide them with air defence in the tactical battlefield.”

Army Needs More to Cover the Frontlines

After proving its value during Operation Sindoor, the Army now wants 11 regiments of QR-SAM. This request comes on top of the ongoing induction of the Akash missile system, another locally made platform with a similar 25 km range.

Strengthening India’s Defence Layer

Adding QR-SAM will strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence network. The Army and the Air Force already operate several powerful systems, including:

• S-400 ‘Triumf’ missiles from Russia (range: 380 km)

• Barak-8 medium-range missiles, co-developed with Israel (range: 70 km)

• Igla-S shoulder-fired missiles from Russia (range: 6 km)

• Upgraded L-70 anti-aircraft guns (range: 3.5 km)

• Indigenous drone detection and jamming systems (range: 1–2 km)