Why ‘Anant Shastra’ Is a Game-Changer: Army’s ₹30,000 Crore Deal with BEL, Explained

The Indian Army has cleared a ₹30,000 crore tender to BEL for Anant Shastra, an indigenous quick-reaction missile system. Here’s what makes it a game-changer.

In a landmark decision, the Indian Army has cleared a ₹30,000 crore tender to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the large-scale production of Anant Shastra, an indigenous defence system developed in India.

This is not just one of the biggest defence contracts in recent years—it is a defining moment in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push in defence technology. But what makes Anant Shastra so special that the Army has invested such a massive sum in its production?

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Current Context: The Big Defence Deal

• On September 26, 2025, the Ministry of Defence approved the deal with BEL for the supply of multiple regiments of Anant Shastra.
• This is being seen as a strategic leap for indigenous capability and a direct response to border threats from China and Pakistan.
• Defence experts have called the deal a “game-changer” for India’s battlefield readiness, particularly after lessons learned during Operation Sindoor (May 2025), which exposed gaps in quick-response systems.

What is Anant Shastra?

• Anant Shastra, meaning “Infinite Weapon” in Sanskrit, is an advanced quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) system designed to protect mobile formations from aerial threats.
• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it has been built with over 80% indigenous components.
• Unlike older systems, Anant Shastra is highly mobile, AI-enabled, and battle-tested in multiple terrains, from deserts to high-altitude regions.

Key Features That Make It Special

1. Range & Speed: Can intercept enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles within a range of 25–30 km at supersonic speeds.
2. High Accuracy: Uses active radar homing and AI-assisted tracking for precision targeting.
3. Shoot-and-Scoot: Mounted on mobile trucks, it can relocate immediately after firing to avoid detection.
4. 360° Coverage: Equipped with a multifunction phased-array radar for all-round surveillance.
5. Multi-Target Capability: Can engage up to four threats simultaneously—fighter jets, drones, or cruise missiles.
6. Electronic Warfare Resistant: Designed to operate even under heavy jamming and enemy countermeasures.

Why the Army Invested ₹30,000 Crore

• Strategic Necessity: India faces rising drone incursions and low-flying aerial threats across its borders. Anant Shastra provides a credible shield.
• Indigenous Push: Reduces reliance on costly imports like the Russian S-400 and strengthens India’s domestic defence ecosystem.
• Operational Flexibility: Can be deployed quickly across diverse terrains—from Ladakh’s mountains to Rajasthan’s deserts.
• Economic Impact: The BEL contract will boost jobs, research, and private-sector participation in defence manufacturing.

Strategic Significance

• Anant Shastra fills a critical gap in India’s layered air defence system, complementing the Akash and S-400 missiles.
• Its mobility ensures frontline troops are protected in real-time battlefield conditions.
• Globally, the system enhances India’s potential as a defence exporter to friendly nations in Asia and Africa.

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Conclusion

The Army’s ₹30,000 crore deal with BEL for Anant Shastra marks a decisive step in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence. It is more than just a missile system—it is a symbol of India’s technological confidence and strategic autonomy. With its speed, accuracy, and indigenous design, Anant Shastra stands out as a true game-changer for India’s defence doctrine.