QRSAM has a fully automated Command and Control System. The missile system possesses two four-walled radars both of which encompass a 360-degree coverage, namely, the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and the Active Array Battery Multi-function Radar, apart from the launcher while optical proximity fuze ensures that missile can't be jammed.
History
As a part of a replacement program for its obsolete 9K33M2 "Osa-AK" and 2K12E Kvadrat missile systems, Indian Army received a go-ahead to initiate a global acquisition program for quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles from the Ministry of Defence in September 2007.[7] The acquisition program faced multiple issues, including poor response from vendors and re-tendering to avoid single source acquisition.[12] In the meanwhile, a DRDO 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$89 million in 2023).[13] The missile was developed in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited with both firms participating in development and manufacturing.[14][15] In 2017, Indian Army's global acquisition program was dropped in favour of the locally developed QRSAM.[citation needed]
The operational version meanwhile is awaiting production in mid-2021 after use trials.[5]
As part of the Army's Air Defence, the QRSAM is built to move with offensive formations while maintaining search and track capabilities and the capacity to fire at a short notice.[20]
Its command and control system, target acquisition and fire control are fully automated.[5][19] The surveillance and fire control radars developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, namely, the Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR) and the Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar (BMFR) are four walled, configured to provide 360 degree coverage.[19][5] Both the radars have Quad Transmit Receive Modules (QTRMs). The BSR operates in C-band with a range of 120 km (75 mi) while the BMFR operates in X-band with a range of 80 km (50 mi).[21][22] The QRSAM 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 QRSAM has 90% indigenous component, which is projected to increase 99% incrementally.[5]
On 22 December, the missile was test fired for the third time. The test was reported to be a success.[25][26]
The fourth test took place on 8 October 2018 and was reported to be successful.[27]
Fifth test was successfully performed on 26 February 2019.[28]
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 the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.[29]
The seventh-test took place on 23 December 2019 from Abdul Kalam Island, which included two firings of the missile. With this test, the development of the missile was declared complete.[8][30]
User trials
On 13 November 2020, DRDO successfully conducted test fire of the system and achieved a major milestone by a direct hit on to a Banshee pilot-less target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude.[31]
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.[32]
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.[33][34]
Concern
On 22 September 2022, it was reported by The Economic Times, that deficiencies were observed regarding the mobility, surveillance, detection and firing capability of the system. According to unnamed sources, the system failed to detect and engage hovering helicopters at low altitude and minimum range. There was no official confirmation from Indian Army but according to Ministry of Defence and DRDO, all the tests conducted in September 2022 were successful. Laser Based End Game Fuze, which assists in detecting airborne targets and provides range and sector information along with the firing pulse during target engagement, was employed in the successful test launch.[35][36]
The Army has suggested certain improvements for the QRSAM test, which is scheduled for April 2023. Prior to that, DRDO will address few glitches and enhance mission reliability even more.[20]
Order status
Limited production
Janes Information Services was informed by Bharat Electronics at Aero India 2023 that the Indian Army had given an order for five Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) Weapon System. By 2024, the Indian Army will receive all five QRSAM Weapon System from Bharat Electronics. One QRSAM Weapon System consists of one Regiment Command Post Vehicle (RCPV). Three battery units are connected to a single RCPV. A Battery Surveillance Radar Vehicle (BSRV) and a Battery Command Post Vehicle (BCPV) make up a battery unit. Additionally, four combat groups (CGs) are attached to a single battery unit. A CG is made up of a multi-purpose radar unit with ten target engagement capabilities and a multi-launch rocket vehicle armed with six QRSAM missiles. One logistic truck and seventy-two missiles make up a single QRSAM Weapon System.[1][37]
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