This system played a key role in preventing Pakistani drone attacks during Operation Sindoor.
New Delhi: The Indian Army has taken a major step to strengthen its air defences. A tender has been issued to purchase five to six regiments of the ‘Ananta Shastra’ surface-to-air missile system to counter air threats along the Pakistan and China borders. This system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
It was previously called the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM). The estimated cost of this project is approximately Rs 30,000 crore. Army officials told India Today that this system played a key role in preventing Pakistani drone attacks during Operation Sindoor.
Tested during Operation Sindoor
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of this indigenous system immediately after Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Pakistan used Chinese weapons during the four-day conflict. Indian Army’s air defence units destroyed most of the drones with L-70 and Zu-23 guns.
The Akash and MR-SAM systems also performed admirably. The Indian Air Force’s Spyder and Sudarshan S-400 systems combined to intercept aerial threats. The Army’s Air Defence Wing already operates MR-SAMs, Akash, and smaller systems and works in close collaboration with the Air Force.
Features of Anant Shastra system
This system is very fast and mobile. It can locate and track moving targets. It can fire missiles even at small obstacles. Its range is approximately 30 km. It will complement existing systems like the MR-SAM and Akash in the short to medium range.
Trials tested its capabilities in day and night conditions. It can target everything from small drones to large aircraft. It will be deployed on the western (Pakistan) and northern (China) borders.
Make in India
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is promoting indigenous weapons. The air defence system is receiving new radars, very short-range air defence systems, jammers, and laser-based systems. These will counter Turkish and Chinese drones, which the Pakistani Army possesses. In the future, Zoravar light tanks and other air defence systems will be inducted into the army. This move will make the army self-reliant.
HIGHLIGHTS
- India to deploy cutting-edge DRDO-developed air defence system on China-Pakistan borders.
- The Indian Army has taken a major step to strengthen its air defences.
- A tender has been issued to purchase Ananta Shastra surface-to-air missile system.
- This system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
It was previously called the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM). The estimated cost of this project is approximately Rs 30,000 crore. Army officials told India Today that this system played a key role in preventing Pakistani drone attacks during Operation Sindoor.
