India’s Multi-Layered Air Shield Gets Major Boost With Anant Shastra and Akash-NG
BH24 Breaking News
India is strengthening its multi-layered air defence shield with two major indigenous missile programmes. The focus is now on Anant Shastra, earlier known as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), and the longer-range Akash-NG. A production plan worth around ₹30,000 crore has given a major push to India’s air-defence modernisation.
Anant Shastra Adds a Fast-Response Layer
Anant Shastra is designed to provide quick protection against aerial threats. The mobile system can detect, track and engage targets while operating with moving Army formations. It has a reported range of around 30 kilometres and is built for all-weather operations. Its mobility is important because the system can change position quickly instead of remaining at a fixed location.
The system is being developed with major involvement from DRDO and Indian defence companies. It is expected to work alongside platforms already used by India, including Akash and MRSAM. This creates multiple defensive layers instead of depending on one missile system.
Akash-NG Brings Another Layer
The Akash-NG is designed to provide longer-range air defence and is also moving towards large-scale production. Its role will complement shorter-range systems such as Anant Shastra.
The idea behind this network is simple. Different systems can deal with different threats at different ranges. Drones, aircraft and other aerial targets can therefore face multiple interception opportunities before reaching important locations.
India Pushes Indigenous Defence
The latest developments also highlight India’s growing focus on domestic defence production. DRDO has played a central role in developing these systems, while companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited are involved in the wider production ecosystem.
India already operates several air-defence platforms, including Akash, MRSAM and S-400. Adding more indigenous systems could make the overall network stronger and more flexible.
With Anant Shastra and Akash-NG moving towards larger-scale deployment, India is building a layered air shield designed to respond to changing aerial threats.
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