EXCLUSIVE: What India’s New QRSAM Looks Like

That’s India’s new QRSAM up there. We now know for sure what it looks like. Apart from a grainy official image of the actual missile’s shape and size, we didn’t fully know how it compares to the Akash and Astra. What you’re seeing up there in that video clip is a series of art that we can confirm depicts the QRSAM missile authentically, as confirmed and vetted by our sources at the DRDO and India’s Integrated Test Range. The QRSAM, which underwent a preliminary sub-system level test on June 4, will be tested again soon. It is our understanding that the DRDO will release more official information by way of an announcement at that time. As we mentioned in a Facebook post following the launch, very little direct information exists on the QRSAM, apart from the broad contours of its capabilities:

https://www.facebook.com/Livefist/photos/a.173352522703379.31795.115445181827447/1424489514256334/?type=3

On June 4, India’s DRDO tested the yet unnamed Quick Reaction Surface To Air Missile (QRSAM) system. The test came less than a year after the DRDO and India’s state-owned missile maker Bharat Dynamics Ltd entered into a partnership to quickly develop and test a QRSAM based on experience from the Akash and Astra projects. Funds actually began to flow two years before that in July 2014.

Look out for updates to this post.

6 thoughts on “EXCLUSIVE: What India’s New QRSAM Looks Like”

  1. Good to see a lot locally developed missiles coming of age. The integrated missile development program has created a complete Eco system for missiles, took good 30 years ! But great effort , great results.
    Now same thing needs to be for armored vehicles, fighters jets, assualt rifles, submaries, artillery (have local motorised versions of 155 mm)

  2. A refreshingly exciting and path-breaking news !! Now this is the kind of tabloid journalism we need to unearth DRDO’s top-secret experiments with cutting-edge technology (In fact, I re-read the article twice to make sure there is no mention of Israel in this, and that was a relief !)

    Who cares about what plans SAAB and Boeing have for India, when DRDO has such fireworks already ?

    This missile is most likely to be based on Akash’s airframe, and the Astra’s guidance model. So, it probably combines the best of both worlds in terms of maneuverability and guidance. At a range of 30 kms, it should be able to defend a very wide area in say, the Northeast, at our western frontier or even the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It can even be used aboard our stealth destroyers, to add to their potency.

    The local private sector must be invited to manufacture components for the indigenous QRSAM. I’m sure with their participation, things will more quicker than with OFBs.

    Now, its upto the Armed forces and the moribund Defence Ministry to show interest in the QRSAM, and assist in its completion and induction.

  3. Always doubtful about the performance of Indian missiles since a reports on Akash and Nirbhay missiles weren’t very encouraging. Far too many failures in these missiles robs one of confidence and the big question is are they going to work in a war situation. Is that why we keep on going back to Israelis for joint developments ? Missibles with reliability problems are a waste of money, DRDO should invest more in R&D in Akash and other missiles before bringing out new ones.

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