India's Army to Receive New QR-SAM Air Defense System
The Ministry of Defence is poised to approve a ₹30,000 crore deal for a new Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) system. This system will provide immediate countermeasures against enemy drones, missiles, and aircraft.
Defense System Upgrade: The Indian Army's capabilities are set to receive a significant boost. The Ministry of Defence is working on a plan to procure three regiments of the state-of-the-art QR-SAM system. This deal, estimated at ₹30,000 crore (approximately $3.6 billion USD), is expected to receive final approval shortly.
What is QR-SAM and Why is it Necessary?
QR-SAM is an indigenous, mobile air defense system designed to provide immediate countermeasures against enemy fighter jets, helicopters, and drones at a range of 25-30 km. It can be launched from various platforms, including trucks, mobile units, or bunkers. A key feature is its fully automated firing decision capability and its ability to track multiple targets simultaneously.
Strategic Decision Following Operation Sindur
This move comes after the recent Operation Sindur, where the Indian Air Defence successfully neutralized Turkish and Chinese drone attacks launched from Pakistan. The Air Defence branch's (AAD) effective performance during this operation further highlighted the need for technologies like QR-SAM.
When Can Approval be Expected?
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Rajnath Singh, is likely to approve the 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AON) for this deal by the end of this month. This will significantly bolster the air defense capabilities of both the Indian Air Force and Army.
Regiment Requirements:
The Army currently requires 11 QR-SAM regiments. These regiments will provide air defense cover to tanks and infantry units directly in combat zones, while also supporting the existing indigenous Akash missile system.
Benefits of QR-SAM:
- Enables long-range tracking and neutralization of enemy missiles, drones, and fighter jets.
- Strengthens and creates a multi-layered air defense network for the Indian Army and Air Force.
- Automated and real-time firing capabilities allow for swift responses in combat situations.
- Facilitates easy mobility with mobile units in operational environments.
