Taking a big step towards strengthening the air defense capability of the Indian Army, the Defense Ministry may soon give final approval to the production contract of the indigenous ‘Anant Shastra’ Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system costing about Rs 30,000 crore. This project is considered important towards ‘Make in India’ and self-reliance in the defense sector.
According to sources, this state-of-the-art air defense system developed by DRDO has completed successful trials and now preparations are going on to include it in the Indian Army. The aim of ‘Anant Shastra’ is to replace the army’s old OSA-AK air defense system. This system will be able to rapidly identify and destroy drones, helicopters, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and other low-altitude aerial threats.
What is the speciality?
This system is based on 8×8 high-mobility vehicle, due to which it can be rapidly deployed in the battlefield. It includes advanced technologies like modern radar, fire control system, electro-optical sensors and command and control center, which has the ability to detect and take action on aerial targets even while moving.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be the lead production agency in the project, while Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will manufacture the missiles. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will manufacture mobile launcher vehicles. The entire system is based on indigenous technology.
The country’s air security will be strengthened
According to sources, the Indian Air Force has also shown interest in this system. In future, it can be made a part of the multi-layered air defense system of Delhi-NCR, where it along with S-400 and other air defense systems will further strengthen the air defense of the country.
With the induction of ‘Anant Shastra’, the advance and mobile formations of the Indian Army will get better protection from modern air threats. Besides, the ability to counter potential air challenges from Pakistan and China more effectively will also increase.
Leave a Reply