QRSAM

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. The acquisition program faced multiple issues, including poor response from vendors and re-tendering to avoid single source acquisition.{{cite news |last1=Raghuvanshi |first1=Vivek |title=Indian Army Seeks New Source of Surface-to-Air Missile Defense System |url=https://www.defensenews.com/home/2016/04/06/indian-army-seeks-new-source-of-surface-to-air-missile-defense-system/ |work=Defense News |date=8 August 2017}} In the meanwhile, a DRDO project to develop quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles was sanctioned in July 2014 with a budget of {{INRConvert|476.43|c|year=2014}}.{{cite press release |title=DRDO Projects |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158007 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |date=3 February 2017}} The missile was developed in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited with both firms participating in development and manufacturing.{{cite news |last1=Ghaswalla |first1=Amrita Nair |title=BEL's research spend up 10% of revenue |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/bels-research-spend-up-10-of-revenue/article9610597.ece |work=The Hindu Business Line |publisher=The Hindu Group |date=31 March 2017 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Rao |first1=Sushil |title=Quick Reaction Missile to be developed by BDL and DRDO |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Quick-Reaction-Missile-to-be-developed-by-BDL-and-DRDO/articleshow/52054713.cms |work=The Times of India |publisher=The Times Group |date=30 April 2016}} In 2017, Indian Army's global acquisition program was dropped in favour of the locally developed QRSAM.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

The operational version meanwhile is awaiting production in mid-2021 after use trials.

It's 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. The QRSAM has electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities to remain immune to jamming.{{Cite web|last=Bedi|first=Rahul|url=http://www.janes.com/article/71161/indian-drdo-designed-qrsam-successfully-tested|title=Indian DRDO-designed QRSAM successfully tested|date=6 June 2017|work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly|publisher=Jane's Information Group|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606141337/http://www.janes.com/article/71161/indian-drdo-designed-qrsam-successfully-tested|archive-date=6 June 2017}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-17 |title=DRDO surface-to-air missile shoots down aerial target in latest test |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-surface-to-air-missile-shoots-down-aerial-target-in-latest-test/story-XjnHy11SCLkMO7hZ724eHL.html |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} It is an improved active Ku, X band monopulse radio-frequency (RF) seeker developed by Research Center Imarat.{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Vijainder K. |date=2023-04-03 |title=India's World-Beating Akash And Very Short-Range Air Defense Missiles Are Owner's Pride, Other's Envy |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/aws-vshorads-successes-make-drdo-a-world-leader/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=EURASIAN TIMES |language=en-US}}

The missile has laser proximity fuze developed by Instruments Research and Development Establishment, to increase accuracy and reduces its susceptibility to jamming.{{cite news |last1=Peri |first1=Dinakar |title=Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-quick-reaction-air-defence-system-to-be-ready-for-production-next-year/article33260806.ece |access-date=9 December 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=6 December 2020}} The system has the capability to search and track targets while moving.{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1597212|title=Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested off Odisha coast|date=23 December 2019|website=Ministry of Defence|via=Press Information Bureau|access-date=23 December 2019}}

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.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2023-02-08 |title=Surface-to-air missile {{!}} DRDO working to fix a few glitches |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-quick-reaction-surface-to-air-missile-to-be-tested-again-in-april/article66485697.ece |access-date=2024-09-20 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

Its command and control system, target acquisition and fire control are fully automated. 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. Both the radars have Quad Transmit Receive Modules (QTRMs). The BSR operates in C-band with a range of {{Convert|120|km|mi|abbr=on}} while the BMFR operates in X-band with a range of {{Convert|80|km|mi|abbr=on}}.{{cite twitter |number=1341693385074098178 |user=KesariDhwaj |title=the surveillance and fire-control-radar for Akash missile (pic-01) |date=2020-12-23 |access-date=2024-12-23}}{{Cite web |title=Annual Report 2015 - 2016 |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR1516.pdf |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}} The QRSAM has a maximum range of {{cvt|30|km}} and can intercept targets flying at {{cvt|10|km}} altitude. According to DRDO, currently the QRSAM has 90% indigenous component, which is projected to increase 99% incrementally.{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2020-12-06|title=Indigenous quick reaction air defence system to be ready for production next year|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-quick-reaction-air-defence-system-to-be-ready-for-production-next-year/article33260806.ece|location=New Delhi|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2020-12-07}}

File:QRSAM test.webm

• 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.{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/quick-reaction-surface-to-air-missile-successfully-test-fired-4733819/|title=Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile successfully test fired|date=3 July 2017|work=The Indian Express|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=23 December 2017|language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite news|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/drdo-s-quick-reaction-missile-hits-target-in-30-seconds-1.2059244|title=DRDO's quick reaction missile hits target in 30 seconds|work=Mathrubhumi|date=3 July 2017|access-date=23 December 2017}}
• On 22 December, the missile was test fired for the third time. The test was reported to be a success.{{Cite news|last=Rout|first=Hemant Kumar|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/dec/23/drdos-homegrown-quick-reaction-missile-qrsam-successfully-test-fired-off-odisha-coast-1734849.html|title=DRDO's homegrown quick reaction missile QRSAM successfully test fired off Odisha coast|work=The New Indian Express|date=23 December 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Pubby |first1=Manu |title=Setback for Indian missile programme: Two failures in a week, submarine version stuck |url=https://theprint.in/report/setback-for-indian-missile-programme-two-failures-in-a-week-submarine-version-stuck/24671/ |work=The Print |date=24 December 2017}}
• The fourth test took place on 8 October 2018 and was reported to be successful.{{cite news |title=DRDO testfires quick reaction missile off Odisha coast |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/oct/10/drdo-testfires-quick-reaction-missile-off-odisha-coast-1883553.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=10 October 2018}}
• Fifth test was successfully performed on 26 February 2019.{{cite news|url=http://pib.nic.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1566363#|title=Twin Success for Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile|newspaper=Press Information Bureau|date=26 February 2019|access-date=26 February 2019}}
• 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.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-test-fires-quick-reaction-surface-to-air-missile/articleshow/70520608.cms|title=India test-fires Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile|date=2019-08-04|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-08-05}}
• 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/quick-reaction-surface-to-air-missile-completes-development-trials/article30382246.ece|title=Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile completes development trials|date=2019-12-23|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-12-23|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite news |date=2019-12-23 |title=Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested off Odisha coast |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1597212 |access-date=2024-12-23 |work=Press Information Bureau}}

• 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.{{Cite news|last=|date=2020-11-14|title=DRDO successfully test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/drdo-successfully-test-fires-quick-reaction-surface-to-air-missile-system-120111400264_1.html|access-date=2021-12-22}}
• 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.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-18 |title=Second trial of QRSAM proves DRDO warhead's capabilities |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-successfully-test-fires-qrsam-for-second-time-7055028/ |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
• 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.{{cite news |last1=Shukla |first1=Ajai |title=QRSAM: Indian Army clears quick reaction surface-to-air missile system |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/qrsam-indian-army-clears-quick-reaction-surface-to-air-missile-system-122090801051_1.html |access-date=20 September 2024 |publisher=Business Standard |date=8 September 2022}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-09-08 |title=DRDO, Indian Army test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system today |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/drdo-indian-army-test-fires-quick-reaction-surface-to-air-missile-system-today-11662616656699.html |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=mint |language=en}}

On 22 September 2022, it was reported by The Economic Times, that deficiencies were observed regarding the mobility, surveillance, detection and firing capability of the system. According to unnamed sources, the system failed to detect and engage hovering helicopters at low altitude and minimum range. There was no official confirmation from Indian Army but according to Ministry of Defence and DRDO, all the tests conducted in September 2022 were successful. Laser Based End Game Fuze, which assists in detecting airborne targets and provides range and sector information along with the firing pulse during target engagement, was employed in the successful test launch.{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2022-23 |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/DEFENCE%20AR%202022-23%20LOW.pdf |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=Ministry of Defence |publisher=Government of India}}{{cite news |last1=Pubby |first1=Manu |date=22 September 2022 |title=Quick reaction missile induction to be delayed; deficiencies found during trials |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/quick-reaction-missile-induction-to-be-delayed-deficiencies-found-during-trials/articleshow/94383051.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times}}

The Army has suggested certain improvements for the QRSAM test, which is scheduled for April 2023. Prior to that, DRDO will address few glitches and enhance mission reliability even more.

Janes Information Services was informed by Bharat Electronics at Aero India 2023 that the Indian Army had given an order for five Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) Weapon System. By 2024, the Indian Army will receive all five QRSAM Weapon System from Bharat Electronics. One QRSAM Weapon System consists of one Regiment Command Post Vehicle (RCPV). Three battery units are connected to a single RCPV. A Battery Surveillance Radar Vehicle (BSRV) and a Battery Command Post Vehicle (BCPV) make up a battery unit. Additionally, four combat groups (CGs) are attached to a single battery unit. A CG is made up of a multi-purpose radar unit with ten target engagement capabilities and a multi-launch rocket vehicle armed with six QRSAM missiles. One logistic truck and seventy-two missiles make up a single QRSAM Weapon System.{{Cite web |title=Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) |url=https://bel-india.in/product/quick-reaction-sam-qrsam/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=BEL |language=en-US}}

On 28 May 2024, it was reported that an order for QRSAM worth about {{INRConvert|30000|c|lk=on|year=2025}} is to be signed with Bharat Electronics in the next fiscal year.{{Cite web |date=28 May 2024 |title=Strong order flow likely to help BEL stay on growth path |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/strong-order-flow-likely-to-help-bel-stay-on-growth-path/articleshow/110472472.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=The Economic Times}} On 22 February 2025, a report stated that as part of a modernisation roadmap prepared by Corps of Army Air Defence an order for QRSAM is to be placed within four to five months.{{Cite news |date=2025-02-22 |title=Army plans to boost air defence capabilities with new guns, potent radars |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-plans-to-boost-air-defence-capabilities-with-new-guns-potent-radars/articleshow/118468586.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

; {{Flagu|India}}

• Indian Army

{{Portal|India|Rocketry}}

• {{lwc|Trishul (missile)|Trishul}}
• {{lwc|Maitri (missile)|Maitri}}
• {{lwc|Barak 8}}
• {{lwc|Akash-NG}}
• {{lwc|Akash (missile)|Akash}}
• {{lwc|VL-SRSAM}}
• {{lwc|Advanced Air Defence}} (AAD)
• {{lwc|Prithvi Air Defence}} (PAD)

{{reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline|QRSAM}}

{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}

{{Indian missiles}}

Category:Surface-to-air missiles of India

Category:Post–Cold War weapons of India

Category:21st-century surface-to-air missiles

Technical:

• [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_May-Jun_2018_web.pdf DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets]