India is preparing for one of its largest indigenous air-defence missile production cycles, with potential procurement of around 1,000 QRSAM and 1,000 Akash-NG missiles, significantly expanding both military capability and domestic manufacturing.
The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) program could include an estimated ₹11,000–12,000 crore contract for Bharat Dynamics Limited, within a wider program valued at nearly ₹30,000 crore. Designed to protect mobile formations, QRSAM provides rapid-response air defence against aircraft, drones and other aerial threats.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has completed its QRSAM-related activities and is awaiting final government clearance. BEL is also developing a 75-hectare manufacturing complex at Chitrakoot in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, supporting future large-scale production.
In parallel, the Ministry of Defence is considering procurement of approximately 1,000 Akash-NG missiles. The next-generation system completed final user evaluation trials in December 2025 and incorporates a dual-pulse motor, active radar seeker and canisterised launcher, offering improved reaction times and capability against low-radar-signature threats.
The programs are also strengthening a wider Indian supply chain involving BDL, BEL, Larsen & Toubro, Apollo Micro Systems and other domestic manufacturers, covering launchers, electronics, guidance systems and missile subsystems.
If the proposed quantities materialise, the combined QRSAM and Akash-NG programs would represent a major expansion of India's layered air-defence network and indigenous missile-production capacity, while creating a stronger manufacturing base for future domestic and export requirements.On Date: