Anant Shastra: Indian Army to Acquire Rs 30,000 Air Defence Missile System

Anant Shastra, a modern battlefield air defence system estimated at Rs 30,000 crore is being developed by DRDO.

The Indian Army aims to enhance its capabilities in air defence. It is set to invest Rs 30,000 crore in indigenously developed firepower. The government has issued a fresh RFP to Bharat Electronics Limited (BHEL). This RFP is for producing the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system. The system is named ‘Anant Shastra’.

How does Anant Shastra Boost Capabilities?

System is designed to guard Army formations against a fast-changing spectrum of aerial threats. These threats range from enemy fighter jets and helicopters to swarms of drones and loitering munitions. Anant Shastra plans to deploy three regiments along the western and northern borders. It aims to provide a shield for the Army’s frontline troops. This shield moves with them.

Unlike static air defence assets, Anant Shastra is mounted on 8×8 high-mobility vehicles. This feature enables it to move with tanks, infantry combat vehicles (BMPs), and artillery guns across deserts, plains, and mountains. Its role is clear. It guards India’s mobile battle groups against traditional air strikes. It also protects against new-age dangers like drones and loitering munitions.

Also read: Indian Army Fast Tracks Procurement of Advanced Radars for Northern and Western Borders

The Army has planned three regiments of Anant Shastra initially. Each regiment will be deployed along critical sectors of the western and northern borders with Pakistan and China.

These units will ensure that formations on the move remain secure from low- to mid-altitude aerial threats. This zone is referred to as the Air Littoral. It stretches up to 10 km, where enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones typically operate.

Key Features of Anant Shastra

• Range & Altitude: Neutralises targets 30–40 km away, effective at altitudes of 6–10 km. Can destroy fighter jets, attack helicopters, drones, rockets, and missiles.
• Mobility: Vehicle-mounted, able to accompany the Army in all terrains including mountains, deserts, and plains.
• Technology Edge: Equipped with 360-degree surveillance radars, automated command and control, and all-weather tracking.
• Resilience: Resistant to electronic jamming, ensuring precision under hostile battlefield conditions.
• Firepower: Armed with pre-fragmented warheads and solid-fuel propulsion for rapid response.

Additional Layer of Shield to Indian Defence System

For decades, the Indian Army has relied on systems like the Soviet-origin OSA-AK for battlefield air defence. They have also depended on the indigenous Akash SAM. While these remain effective, emerging threats such as drone swarms, precision-guided munitions, and loitering weapons require an agile shield. The defense system must be more responsive.

Anant Shastra is built precisely for this. Integrated into the Army’s Akashteer Command & Control Network, it will protect both soldiers and equipment. It will also act as a force multiplier. This allows mechanised columns to advance without being hampered by fear of overhead strikes.

A leap in Atmanirbharta

This system is not just about military capability; it is also about self-reliance. Anant Shastra is developed indigenously by DRDO. It will be manufactured by BEL with support from Bharat Dynamics Limited. It reflects the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Its induction is worth nearly Rs 30,000 crore. The recent approval of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) enabled this. This approval signals the government’s push to replace imports with world-class indigenous systems.

Strategic Significance

The timing of Anant Shastra’s induction is critical. Recent conflicts around the world have shown how drones and loitering munitions can cripple even advanced militaries. India is ensuring that its frontlines remain secure. During Operation Sindoor, the Army’s air defence units demonstrated their ability to act as a wall against aerial threats. With Anant Shastra, that wall will get both taller and stronger, firmly securing the skies over soldiers, tanks, and guns.

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