India has taken a decisive step toward enhancing its air defence capabilities by deploying indigenous missile systems as part of its ongoing military modernisation push. Amid rising regional tensions and rapidly evolving aerial threats, the Indian Army is operationalising a new generation of domestically developed air defence platforms: the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), and the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), which is currently in the final stages of development. These advancements fall under the larger vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at fostering self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Operational Backbone of India’s Modern Air Defence

At the core of India's renewed air defence strategy is the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system. Jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the MRSAM has been operational since February 2023 and is currently deployed along strategically sensitive areas, including the China-India border in the Sikkim region.

The MRSAM is capable of intercepting threats within a 70-kilometre radius, making it a crucial asset in India’s multi-layered defence network. It incorporates sophisticated features such as active radar-homing missiles, vertical launch technology, and dual-pulse smokeless propulsion, all integrated with advanced radar systems. These capabilities enable it to rapidly neutralise diverse aerial threats ranging from fighter aircraft and drones to cruise missiles.

Recent operational tests conducted in April 2025 reaffirmed the system’s accuracy and combat readiness. As it gradually replaces legacy Soviet-era systems like the Kvadrat and OSA-AKM, MRSAM underscores India’s shift from defence dependency to indigenous strength.

Mobile Shield for Mechanised Units

The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is set to further enhance India’s air defence posture by providing rapid-response protection for armoured and mechanised formations. With an effective range of 25 to 30 kilometres, the QRSAM is designed for swift deployment and mobility, making it especially suitable for active combat zones and forward areas.

Engineered with a dual-radar configuration, the system offers 360-degree surveillance and target tracking capabilities, even while in motion. It also features an indigenous radio frequency seeker and a dual-thrust propulsion motor, reflecting significant strides in India's missile design and engineering. Although early trials between 2022 and 2023 revealed technical challenges, these were quickly resolved by DRDO, reaffirming India's commitment to domestic innovation.

Deployment of QRSAM is expected soon, particularly along critical regions such as the Ladakh frontier, further enhancing India’s tactical responsiveness in sensitive theatres.

Tactical Defence at the Final Layer

The Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) represents the final piece in India's comprehensive air defence grid. This lightweight, man-portable system is specifically intended to protect against close-range threats like low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

As of January 2025, VSHORADS remains under development at DRDO, with successful internal tests carried out in February 2025. However, the missile system has yet to undergo formal user trials by the Indian Army. It must still meet the Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) before being cleared for operational induction.

Equipped with Imaging Infrared (IIR) seekers, a hit-to-kill warhead, and a compact Reaction Control System, VSHORADS is expected to surpass older systems such as the Russian Igla-S in accuracy and agility. Weighing just 21 kilograms, it combines portability with high precision and is anticipated to become a key tactical asset upon completion of its development.

Advancing AtmaNirbhar Bharat in Defence

The progressive induction of MRSAM and QRSAM, coupled with the steady development of VSHORADS, reflects more than just an enhancement of India’s military strength—it signals a strategic transformation toward self-sufficiency in defence production. With over 90 percent of critical components, including radars and missile seekers, produced domestically, India is significantly lowering its reliance on foreign defence equipment.

This indigenisation effort is further complemented by international collaborations that serve national interests. For instance, in January 2025, India signed a $340 million agreement with Israel for the procurement of additional MRSAM systems, showcasing its capability to engage in balanced and mutually beneficial global defence partnerships.

Assessing Limitations and Strategic Trade-offs

While these indigenous systems reflect major technological advancements, they naturally invite comparisons with their global counterparts. The MRSAM’s 70-kilometre range is considerably shorter than that of long-range systems like Russia’s S-400, which has a range of up to 400 kilometres. However, the MRSAM’s cost-efficiency and mobility make it ideal for rapid deployment in dynamic combat environments.

Similarly, while the VSHORADS is expected to have a slightly shorter operational range than the US-made Stinger, it compensates with improved agility, better portability, and advanced targeting systems.

Integrating for Greater Impact

India is looking ahead to the integration of these missile systems into a broader strategic framework. There are plans to link the MRSAM with the country’s upcoming ballistic missile defence shield, while enhancements in QRSAM are expected to include advanced electro-optical targeting systems. These forward-looking initiatives highlight India’s commitment to continuous innovation in defence technology.

Towards a Self-Reliant Defence Ecosystem

India’s steady deployment of MRSAM and QRSAM, alongside the promising progress of VSHORADS, signals a pivotal shift in its defence strategy. These developments not only strengthen India’s capacity to respond to contemporary aerial threats but also solidify its path toward self-reliance in critical military technologies. As the country moves from being a major importer to a confident innovator in the defence domain, its strategic autonomy is more secure than ever, firmly anchored in the vision of AatmaNirbhar Bharat.