The Indian Army is taking steps to strengthen its air defense infrastructure by acquiring 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. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 30,000 crore, and is intended to bolster the Army Air Defence, particularly along the borders. This system was formerly known as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system. The Defence Acquisition Council approved the project shortly after Operation Sindoor. The ‘Anant Shastra’ system is highly mobile, allowing it to track and engage targets even while moving or after brief stops. It has a range of approximately 30 km and is intended to complement existing systems such as MRSAM and Akash. The system’s operational effectiveness has been assessed in various trials. During past conflicts, the Army Air Defence effectively utilized systems like L-70 and Zu-23 air defense guns, along with Akash, MRSAM, Spyder and Sudarshan S-400 systems. The Army Air Defence is currently being equipped with new radars, very short-range air defense systems, and counter-drone technologies. The Army Chief is focused on increasing the proportion of indigenous systems used by the force, with the Zorawar light tank and other air defense systems planned for future integration.
