QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile)

QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile)

Type: air_defense

Domain: land

Country of Origin: India

Manufacturer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)

Overview

India's mobile short-range air defence system designed to protect mobile assets including armoured and mechanised formations from low-flying aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. QRSAM features an all-weather, all-terrain capability with shoot-on-the-move potential, canister-launched missiles on a highly mobile 6x6 truck platform, 360-degree coverage, and reaction time under 5 seconds. The missile uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor for range of 25-30 km and altitude coverage from 15 metres to 9 km, active radar seeker for autonomous terminal guidance, and two-way datalink for mid-course updates. Each battery includes a surveillance radar, tracking radar, mobile launcher vehicles with 6 ready-to-fire missiles each, and a command post — all mounted on high-mobility vehicles. QRSAM is designed to accompany fast-moving mechanised columns, providing air defence umbrella during offensive operations. Successfully tested in various scenarios including salvo firing. Indian Army inducted the first regiment in 2022 with additional orders to equip multiple formations.

Technical Specifications

range~30 km
targetsAircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles
altitude~15 km
guidanceActive radar seeker — fire-and-forget
launcherMobile tracked/wheeled
manufacturerDRDO / BDL, India
reaction_time< 10 seconds

Operators

Related land Weapon Systems