The Command and Control System is completely automated. In addition to the launcher, the missile system has two four-walled radars that provide 360-degree coverage: the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the Active Array Battery Multi-function Radar. Anoptical proximity fuze lessens the vulnerability to jamming.[16]
As a part of a replacement program for its obsolete9K33M2 "Osa-AK" and2K12E Kvadrat missile systems, Indian Army received a go-ahead to initiate a global acquisition program for quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles from theMinistry of Defence in September 2007.[10] The acquisition program faced multiple issues, including poor response from vendors and re-tendering to avoid single source acquisition.[17] In the meanwhile, aDRDO project to develop quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles was sanctioned in July 2014 with a budget of₹476.43 crore (equivalent to₹761 crore or US$90 million in 2023).[18] The missile was developed in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited with both firms participating in development and manufacturing.[19][20] In 2017, Indian Army's global acquisition program was dropped in favour of the locally developed QRSAM.[21][22]
The operational version meanwhile is awaiting production in mid-2021 after user trials.[9]
As part of the Army's Air Defence, the Anant Shastra is built to move with offensive formations while maintaining search and track capabilities and the capacity to fire at a short notice.[26]
Itscommand and control system, target acquisition and fire control are fully automated.[9][25] The surveillance and fire control radars developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, namely, theActive Array Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR) and theActive Array Battery Multifunction Radar (BMFR) are four walled, configured to provide 360 degree coverage, integrated withidentification friend or foe for multiple target engagement.[25][9][27] Both the radars have Quad Transmit Receive Modules (QTRMs). The BSR operates inC-band with a range of 120 km (75 mi) while the BMFR operates inX-band with a range of 80 km (50 mi).[28][29] The Anant Shastra has a maximum range of 30 km (19 mi) and can intercept targets flying at 10 km (6.2 mi) altitude. According to DRDO, currently the Anant Shastra has 90% indigenous component, which is projected to increase 99% incrementally.[9] It has been interfaced with theAkashteer.[30][31]
An Anant Shastra Weapon System consists of one Regiment Command Post Vehicle (RCPV) which is connected to three battery units. Each battery includes a Battery Surveillance Radar Vehicle (BSRV) and a Battery Command Post Vehicle (BCPV). Additionally, four combat groups (CGs) makes up a single battery unit. A CG consists of a multi-purpose radar unit with ten target engagement capabilities and a missile-launcher vehicle armed with six QRSAM missile canisters. An Anant Shastra Weapon System consists of 72 missiles and a logistic truck.[2][32]
On 22 December, the missile was test fired for the third time. The test was reported to be a success.[35][36]
The fourth test took place on 8 October 2018 and was reported to be successful.[37]
Fifth test was successfully performed on 26 February 2019.[38]
The sixth test was conducted on 4 August 2019 at 11:05 am from a mobile truck-based launcher at the launch complex-3 of theITR at Chandipur.[39]
The seventh-test took place on 23 December 2019 fromAbdul Kalam Island, which included two firings of the missile. With this test, the development of the missile was declared complete.[11][40]
On 13 November 2020,DRDO successfully conducted test fire of the system and achieved a major milestone by a direct hit on to aBanshee pilot-less target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude.[41]
On 17 November 2020, DRDO successfully test-fired QRSAM with live warhead for the first time to check performance parameter of various subsystem. The integrated radar did tracking and target acquisition while mission computer managed automatic launch sequence. Upon missile launch, two way datalink was successfully established and helped activate radar homing guidance at terminal phase. Warhead activation and detonation was achieved when the target was close enough for destruction. The missile managed to hit and bring down an unmanned target vehicle at medium range and altitude.[42]
Six flight tests were completed on 8 September 2022 off the Odisha coast, where QRSAM managed to intercept high speed maneuvering aerial targets with pin point accuracy under long-range medium altitude and short-range high altitude conditions in quick succession salvo firing. The tests were carried out in final deployment configuration with all indigenously developed subsystems including missile with radio-frequency seeker, mobile launcher, automated command and control system, surveillance and multi-function radars.[43][44]
The Economic Times stated on 22 September 2022, that the system's mobility, surveillance, detection, and shooting capabilities were found to be lacking. Unidentified sources claim that the system was unable to identify and engage with hovering helicopters at low altitude and close range. Though theMinistry of Defense andDRDO claim that every test carried out in September 2022 was successful, the Indian Army has not provided an official confirmation. The successful test launch used the Laser Based End Game Fuze, which helps detect targets in the air and delivers sector and range information along with the firing pulse during target engagement.[45][46]
A few enhancements have been proposed by the Indian Army for the April 2023 test. DRDO will first fix a few issues and further improve mission reliability.[26]
On 28 May 2024, it was reported that an order for QRSAM worth about₹30,000crore (US$3.5 billion) is to be signed with Bharat Electronics in the followingfiscal year.[50] As per officials, theCorps of Army Air Defense's modernisation strategy called for the placement of QRSAM order.[51] As of early June 2025, it was anticipated that the Defence Acquisition Council under theMinistry of Defence would authorize the purchase of three QRSAM regiments.[52][53] The capital acquisition proposal was approved on 3 July 2025 by DAC, under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) route for the Army Air Defence.[54][55][56] A tender for the purchase of Anant Shastra air defence system, earlier known as QRSAM, was issued by the Indian Army to Bharat Electronics on 27 September 2025.[14][57]
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