Overview

• The Indian Army has formally issued a Request for Proposal to Bharat Electronics Limited for the DRDO‑developed Anant Shastra system, earlier known as QRSAM.
• The initial induction plan covers three regiments—about 36 launchers and radars—at an estimated cost of roughly Rs 30,000 crore.
• BEL will produce the system with Bharat Dynamics Limited supporting missile manufacture, and the units will be integrated with the Army’s Akashteer command‑and‑control network.
• Designed to protect mechanised formations on the move along the western and northern borders, the system features 30–40 km engagement ranges, effective altitudes of 6–10 km, 360‑degree radars, automated C2 and anti‑jamming resilience.
• The RFP signals the start of price negotiations before contracting, while a longer‑term Army Air Defence projection of up to 11 regiments remains a service‑level requirement.