Aero India 2023: Indian Army orders QRSAM weapon systems

The QRSAM – a model of which was on display at the Aero India 2023 show in Bangalore – can intercept targets at an altitude of 14 km. The missile has a length of 4.4 m, a weight of 270 kg, and a diameter of 0.225 m. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)

The Indian Army has ordered five Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) weapon systems, manufacturer Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) told Janes at the Aero India 2023 show in Bangalore.

A BEL official told Janes that the company will deliver all five weapon systems to the Indian Army by 2024. “A QRSAM weapon system comprises one Regiment Command Post Vehicle (RCPV), which acts as the mind of the system,” he said.

“One RCPV is connected with three battery units. A battery unit consists of a Battery Command Post Vehicle (BCPV) and a Battery Surveillance Radar Vehicle (BSRV). Further, one battery unit is connected with four combat groups (CGs),” the official added.

A CG comprises a multifunctional radar unit that can engage with 10 targets and a multilaunch rocket vehicle that equips six QRSAM rockets, the official said. “So, one QRSAM weapon system consists of 72 QRSAM rockets. Apart from all of this, a system also has one logistic vehicle for carrying rockets.”

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing the QRSAM for the Indian Army in tandem with public sector companies Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and BEL.

A DRDO official told Janes that the first phase of user trials of QRSAM rockets was held in September 2022. “The first phase established pinpoint accuracy of the rockets and the system was ready for induction in the Indian Army,” he added.