Context

DRDO successfully test-fired its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system, likely to be inducted into the armed forces by 2021, from a base off Odisha coast.

About

• The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army, was flight-tested from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur 
• It has been developed to replace the ‘Akash’ missile defence system, and has 360-degree coverage.
• The first test firing of the missile took place on 4 June 2017. This was followed by the second successful test on 3 July 2017.
• The test flights had successfully demonstrated their aerodynamics, propulsion, structural performance and high maneuvering capabilities.
• Features
  • It uses solid fuel propellant and has a strike range of 25-30 km with capability of hitting multiple targets.
  • Developed by DRDO
  • It is capable of hitting the low flying objects.
  • The missile is an all-weather, all-terrain surface-to-air missile equipped with electronic counter measures against jamming by aircraft radars
  • The missile can be mounted on a truck and is stored in a canister.
  • The missile is equipped with a midcourse inertial navigation system with a two-way data link and a DRDO-developed terminal active seeker. The system has the capability to search and track targets while moving.
  • QRSAM is a compact weapon system and is mobile. It has a fully automated Command and Control System. The missile system comprises of two four-walled radars both of which encompass a 360-degree coverage, namely, the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar, apart from the launcher.

Significance

• Towards the indigenization of technology DRDO is doing amazing job. The successfully test-firing of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system by DRDO will put India in a different class in its combat technologies and strengths.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India initiative has helped the defence ministry save more than `1 lakh crore worth of foreign exchange. 
• In the past two years, as many as six air defence and anti-tank missile projects have been built in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), even as several new ones are under its consideration. 
• The collaboration with the foreign players will lead to transfer of technology and funds.

Conclusion

Development of Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air missiles is a positive step towards the indigenization of the defence technology. It will put Indian Army at a higher pedestal to improve the security of the country against the erring neighbors.