BEL To Deliver DRDO’s Anant Shastra In ₹30,000 Crore Army Agreement

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will supply the Indian Army with DRDO-developed Anant Shastra missile systems under a landmark deal. The contract is pegged at close to ₹30,000 crore.

This agreement ranks among the largest defence acquisitions of the decade.

The Indian Army intends to procure five to six regiments of the Anant Shastra air defence missile system platform. Furthermore, this regiment was previously recognised as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM).

The deployment will significantly enhance aerial defence capabilities and sensitive stretches. This defence system will help the Indian Army on the western and northern borders with Pakistan and China.

Advanced Capabilities and Strategic Expansion

The Anant Shastra system is designed for high manoeuvrability. It delivers advanced air defence by detecting aerial intrusions.

Furthermore, it intercepts threats effectively while moving or halting briefly. Its effective range spans approximately 30 kilometres, enabling swift neutralisation of drones and hostile aircraft at lower altitudes.

Tasked with bolstering MR-SAM and Akash, the platform integrates into India’s tiered defence matrix.

Furthermore, linking with radar units, electronic jammers, and energy-based systems.

In past confrontations with Pakistan, the Army relied on a mix of platforms. This includes L-70, Zu-23, Akash and MR-SAM.

Furthermore, with these Air Force assets, such as Spyder and S-400, it will help to neutralise enemy drones.

The induction of Anant Shastra aims to strengthen this tiered shield and provide greater tactical flexibility.

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Defence Acquisition Council endorsed the project, signalling pressing needs for air defence upgrades.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has strongly supported swift manufacturing and domestic development of advanced arms.

Upon deployment, Anant Shastra will reinforce high-priority border belts and directly connect with the Army Air Defence mechanism.

This agreement is expected to be a milestone in India’s defence modernisation, blending strategic necessity with domestic capability in high-technology weapon systems.

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