QRSAM

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QRSAM
Second test of DRDO QRSAM (cropped).jpg
QRSAM during its second flight test
Type Surface-to-air missile
Place of origin India
Service history
Used by Indian Army [1]
Production history
Designer Defence Research and Development Organisation
Manufacturer Bharat Electronics
Bharat Dynamics Limited
Produced2023 (2023) – present [2] [3]
Specifications
Mass270 kg (600 lb)
Length4.4 m (14 ft) [2]
Diameter0.22 m (0.72 ft)
Warhead HMX/TNT, pre-fragmented
Warhead weight32 kg (71 lb) [4]
Detonation
mechanism
 Optical proximity fuze
Propellant Solid fuel
Operational
range
Missile: 3 km (9,800 ft) - 30 km (19 mi) [5]
Launcher: ~800 km
Flight altitude30 m (98 ft) - 10 km (33,000 ft) [6] [7]
Guidance
system
Mid-course: INS + two-way datalink
Terminal: ARH
Accuracy90% - 95%
Launch
platform
6 tube launcher mounted on 8 x 8 Ashok Leyland or Tata Motors Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) [8]
References [1] [9] [10] [11] [12]

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is a missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the Indian Army, [13] meant for protecting moving armoured columns from aerial attacks. [1]

Contents

The Command and Control System is completely automated. In addition to the launcher, the missile system has two four-walled radars that provide 360-degree coverage: the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the Active Array Battery Multi-function Radar. An optical proximity fuze lessens the vulnerability to jamming. [14]

History

As a part of a replacement program for its obsolete 9K33M2 "Osa-AK" and 2K12E Kvadrat missile systems, Indian Army received a go-ahead to initiate a global acquisition program for quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles from the Ministry of Defence in September 2007. [9] The acquisition program faced multiple issues, including poor response from vendors and re-tendering to avoid single source acquisition. [15] In the meanwhile, a DRDO project to develop quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles was sanctioned in July 2014 with a budget of ₹476.43 crore (equivalent to ₹761 croreorUS$90 million in 2023). [16] The missile was developed in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited with both firms participating in development and manufacturing. [17] [18] In 2017, Indian Army's global acquisition program was dropped in favour of the locally developed QRSAM.[ citation needed ]

The operational version meanwhile is awaiting production in mid-2021 after user trials. [8]

Description

QRSAM is a compact and highly mobile air defence system mounted on Ashok Leyland Defence Systems 8x8 truck, designed to provide 360 degree defence coverage. The transporter erector launcher (TEL) of the system is developed by Larsen & Toubro, while missiles are manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited. Each launcher has 6 missiles and can target 6 different targets. [8] The QRSAM has electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities to remain immune to jamming. [13] The single-staged missile utilized by the system is propelled using solid propellants. The missile is equipped with a mid-course inertial navigation system with a two-way data link and a DRDO-developed terminal active radar seeker. [19] It is an improved active Ku, X band monopulse radio-frequency (RF) seeker developed by Research Center Imarat. [20]

The missile has an optical proximity fuze developed by Instruments Research and Development Establishment, to increase accuracy and reduces its susceptibility to jamming. [14] The system has the capability to search and track targets while moving. [21]

As part of the Army's Air Defence, the QRSAM is built to move with offensive formations while maintaining search and track capabilities and the capacity to fire at a short notice. [22]

Its command and control system, target acquisition and fire control are fully automated. [8] [21] The surveillance and fire control radars developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, namely, the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR) and the Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar (BMFR) are four walled, configured to provide 360 degree coverage, integrated with identification friend or foe for multiple target engagement. [21] [8] [23] Both the radars have Quad Transmit Receive Modules (QTRMs). The BSR operates in C-band with a range of 120 km (75 mi) while the BMFR operates in X-band with a range of 80 km (50 mi). [24] [25] The QRSAM has a maximum range of 30 km (19 mi) and can intercept targets flying at 10 km (6.2 mi) altitude. According to DRDO, currently the QRSAM has 90% indigenous component, which is projected to increase 99% incrementally. [8] It has been interfaced with the Akashteer. [26]

Testing

QRSAM test with live warhead on 17 November 2020.

Developmental trials

  • The first test firing of the missile took place on 4 June 2017. This was followed by the second successful test on 3 July 2017. [27] The test was conducted from Chandipur, Odisha. Around 100 scientists are working as part of the missile development program led by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). DRDO's other labs including Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E)) and Integrated Test Range (ITR) are also contributing to the missile development effort. [28]
  • On 22 December, the missile was test fired for the third time. The test was reported to be a success. [29] [30]
  • The fourth test took place on 8 October 2018 and was reported to be successful. [31]
  • Fifth test was successfully performed on 26 February 2019. [32]
  • The sixth test was conducted on 4 August 2019 at 11:05 am from a mobile truck-based launcher at the launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. [33]
  • The seventh-test took place on 23 December 2019 from Abdul Kalam Island, which included two firings of the missile. With this test, the development of the missile was declared complete. [10] [34]

User trials

  • On 13 November 2020, DRDO successfully conducted test fire of the system and achieved a major milestone by a direct hit on to a Banshee pilot-less target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude. [35]
  • On 17 November 2020, DRDO successfully test-fired QRSAM with live warhead for the first time to check performance parameter of various subsystem. The integrated radar did tracking and target acquisition while mission computer managed automatic launch sequence. Upon missile launch, two way datalink was successfully established and helped activate radar homing guidance at terminal phase. Warhead activation and detonation was achieved when the target was close enough for destruction. The missile managed to hit and bring down an unmanned target vehicle at medium range and altitude. [36]
  • Six flight tests were completed on 8 September 2022 off the Odisha coast, where QRSAM managed to intercept high speed maneuvering aerial targets with pin point accuracy under long-range medium altitude and short-range high altitude conditions in quick succession salvo firing. The tests were carried out in final deployment configuration with all indigenously developed subsystems including missile with radio-frequency seeker, mobile launcher, automated command and control system, surveillance and multi-function radars. [37] [38]

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

  • The first IADWS test was carried out by DRDO on August 23, 2025, using QRSAM, VSHORAD, and a DEW. Two high-speed fixed wing UAVs and a multicopter were engaged and destroyed simultaneously at various distances and altitudes by a centralized command and control system. [39]

Issues

The Economic Times stated on 22 September 2022, that the system's mobility, surveillance, detection, and shooting capabilities were found to be lacking. Unidentified sources claim that the system was unable to identify and engage with hovering helicopters at low altitude and close range. Though the Ministry of Defense and DRDO claim that every test carried out in September 2022 was successful, the Indian Army has not provided an official confirmation. The successful test launch used the Laser Based End Game Fuze, which helps detect targets in the air and delivers sector and range information along with the firing pulse during target engagement. [40] [41]

A few enhancements have been proposed by the Indian Army for the April 2023 test. DRDO will first fix a few issues and further improve mission reliability. [22]

Order status

During Aero India 2023, Bharat Electronics notified Janes that the Indian Army had placed an order for five QRSAM. The entire order will be delivered by 2024. A QRSAM Weapon System consists of one Regiment Command Post Vehicle (RCPV) which is connected to three battery units. Each battery includes a Battery Surveillance Radar Vehicle (BSRV) and a Battery Command Post Vehicle (BCPV). Additionally, four combat groups (CGs) makes up a single battery unit. A CG consists of a multi-purpose radar unit with ten target engagement capabilities and a missile-launcher vehicle armed with six QRSAM missile canisters. A QRSAM Weapon System consists of 72 missiles and a logistic truck. [2] [42]

On 28 May 2024, it was reported that an order for QRSAM worth about ₹ 30,000 crore (US$3.5 billion) is to be signed with Bharat Electronics in the following fiscal year. [43] As per officials, the Corps of Army Air Defense's modernisation strategy called for the placement of QRSAM order. [44] As of early June 2025, it was anticipated that the Defence Acquisition Council under the Ministry of Defence would authorize the purchase of three QRSAM regiments. [45] [46] The capital acquisition proposal was approved on 3 July 2025 by DAC, under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) route for the Army Air Defence. [47] [48] [49]

Operators

Flag of India.svg India

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "QRSAM". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 "Aero India 2023: Indian Army orders QRSAM weapon systems". Janes.com. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  3. ↑ "Indigenous defence procurement worth ₹1.05 lakh crore cleared". The Hindu. 3 July 2025. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  4. ↑ "DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets" (PDF). Defence Research and Development Organisation. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  5. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  6. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  7. ↑ "What is QRSAM system and where does it fit in India's air defence ecosystem? Explained". The Economic Times. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. New Delhi. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  9. 1 2 Menon, Jay (3 May 2016). "India to develop Quick-Reaction SAM". Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. Aviation Week. p. 4. ISSN   1553-8591.
  10. 1 2 "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile completes development trials". The Hindu. 23 December 2019. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  11. ↑ "QRSAM again successfully test-fired". The Pioneer . 24 December 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  12. ↑ "India Wraps Development Trials For QRSAM Missile That Can Shoot Plane 25 Km Away" . Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  13. 1 2 Bedi, Rahul (6 June 2017). "Indian DRDO-designed QRSAM successfully tested". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017.
  14. 1 2 Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  15. ↑ Raghuvanshi, Vivek (8 August 2017). "Indian Army Seeks New Source of Surface-to-Air Missile Defense System". Defense News.
  16. ↑ "DRDO Projects" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 3 February 2017.
  17. ↑ Ghaswalla, Amrita Nair (31 March 2017). "BEL's research spend up 10% of revenue". The Hindu Business Line. The Hindu Group.
  18. ↑ Rao, Sushil (30 April 2016). "Quick Reaction Missile to be developed by BDL and DRDO". The Times of India. The Times Group.
  19. ↑ "DRDO surface-to-air missile shoots down aerial target in latest test". Hindustan Times. 17 November 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  20. ↑ Thakur, Vijainder K. (3 April 2023). "India's World-Beating Akash And Very Short-Range Air Defense Missiles Are Owner's Pride, Other's Envy". EURASIAN TIMES. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  21. 1 2 3 "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested off Odisha coast". Ministry of Defence . 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019– via Press Information Bureau.
  22. 1 2 Peri, Dinakar (8 February 2023). "Surface-to-air missile | DRDO working to fix a few glitches". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  23. ↑ Verma, Saurabh (9 June 2025). "QRSAM Air Defence System To Bolster India's Frontline, Nod Expected Soon: Report". News18. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  24. ↑ @KesariDhwaj (23 December 2020). "the surveillance and fire-control-radar for Akash missile (pic-01)" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 December 2024– via Twitter.
  25. ↑ "Annual Report 2015 - 2016" (PDF). Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  26. ↑ Srinivasan, Chandrashekar (15 August 2025). "Sudarshan Chakra' To Protect Our Skies. India's 'Iron Dome' Explained". ndtv.com. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  27. ↑ "Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile successfully test fired". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  28. ↑ "DRDO's quick reaction missile hits target in 30 seconds". Mathrubhumi. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  29. ↑ Rout, Hemant Kumar (23 December 2017). "DRDO's homegrown quick reaction missile QRSAM successfully test fired off Odisha coast". The New Indian Express.
  30. ↑ Pubby, Manu (24 December 2017). "Setback for Indian missile programme: Two failures in a week, submarine version stuck". The Print.
  31. ↑ "DRDO testfires quick reaction missile off Odisha coast". The New Indian Express. 10 October 2018.
  32. ↑ "Twin Success for Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile". Press Information Bureau. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  33. ↑ "India test-fires Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile". The Economic Times. 4 August 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  34. ↑ "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested off Odisha coast". Press Information Bureau . 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  35. ↑ "DRDO successfully test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system". Business Standard India. 14 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  36. ↑ "Second trial of QRSAM proves DRDO warhead's capabilities". The Indian Express. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  37. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (8 September 2022). "QRSAM: Indian Army clears quick reaction surface-to-air missile system". Business Standard. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  38. ↑ "DRDO, Indian Army test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system today". mint. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  39. ↑ "DRDO successfully conducts maiden flight tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System". ANI. 24 August 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  40. ↑ "Annual Report 2022-23" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. Government of India. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  41. ↑ Pubby, Manu (22 September 2022). "Quick reaction missile induction to be delayed; deficiencies found during trials". The Economic Times.
  42. ↑ "Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM)". BEL. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  43. ↑ "Strong order flow likely to help BEL stay on growth path". The Economic Times. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  44. ↑ "Army plans to boost air defence capabilities with new guns, potent radars". The Economic Times. 22 February 2025. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  45. ↑ Negi, Manjeet (9 June 2025). "Government likely to clear new 3 air defence missile regiments for army". India Today. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
  46. ↑ "Indian Army to get Rs 30,000 crore QRSAM air defence missile system boost". The Economic Times. 9 June 2025. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 10 June 2025.
  47. ↑ "DAC clears 10 capital acquisition proposals worth approx. Rs 1.05 lakh crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category". Press Information Bureau . 3 July 2025. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  48. ↑ Rana, Javaria (3 July 2025). "MoD clears projects worth Rs 1.05 lakh cr, including QRSAM, MCMVs and electronic warfare systems". ThePrint. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  49. ↑ "From Spy Jets To Minesweepers: Inside India's Rs 1 Lakh Crore Defence Push". News18. Retrieved 4 July 2025.

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