Overview

• The Request for Proposal moves the DRDO-developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile into procurement under the Army’s new ‘Anant Shastra’ name, with Bharat Electronics as lead producer and Bharat Dynamics supporting missile production.
• Most reports say the Army plans three regiments for initial induction, while some accounts cite five to six, and the final quantity will be set at contracting.
• Designed for mobile protection of mechanised forces, the system features 8×8 vehicle-mounted launchers, 360-degree radars, automated command-and-control, anti-jamming resilience, and the ability to search, track, and fire at short halts.
• Operational parameters reported include engagements at roughly 30–40 km range and 6–10 km altitude against aircraft, helicopters, drones, rockets, and loitering munitions.
• Units are intended for sectors along the western and northern borders and will be integrated with the Army’s Akashteer network, following Defence Acquisition Council clearance that came after the May hostilities.