‘Anant Shastra’ Missile System: A Rs 30,000 Crore Air Defence Upgrade for the Indian Army

The Indian Army is set to bolster its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of the ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile weapon system. A tender has been issued to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the purchase of five to six regiments of the DRDO-developed system, formerly known as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system. This project, estimated to cost approximately Rs 30,000 crore, aims to fortify the Army Air Defence, particularly along the borders with Pakistan and China. The system’s deployment follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval, which came after Operation Sindoor. The highly mobile ‘Anant Shastra’ systems can track targets on the move and fire after brief halts, boasting a range of around 30 km. It will complement existing systems such as the MRSAM and Akash. The system’s performance has been rigorously tested in diverse operational scenarios. During past conflicts, the Army’s Air Defence units have relied on various systems, including L-70 and Zu-23 air defense guns, alongside Akash, MRSAM, Spyder and Sudarshan S-400 systems, to counter aerial threats, especially drones. The Army Air Defence is also receiving new radars, very short-range air defense systems, and anti-drone technologies. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi is a strong advocate for indigenous defense systems, with plans for the Zorawar light tank and other air defense systems to join the force.