DRDO has successfully conducted the first test of its indigenous air defense system under the project Mission Sudarshan Chakra. This significant milestone marks a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities. The successful test demonstrates the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast. This is one of the first steps to India’s journey toward building a homegrown multi-layered security shield under the ambitious Mission Sudarshan Chakra, to secure the nation against multidomain threats by 2035.
What is Mission Sudarshan Chakra?
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address, Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a futuristic defence initiative aimed at developing a comprehensive, multi-layered, and networked air defence system. Its goal is to protect India and its vital installations from long-range missiles, aircraft, drones, and cyber threats. The mission envisions a fully integrated security shield by 2035.
What is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?
The IADWS system comprises of the following three parts:
- Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM)
- Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
- Laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)
To align with the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat, all the components have been designed indigenously by DRDO.
Details of the Successful Flight Test
The flight test was conducted around 12:30 pm off the Odisha coast. During the test, the system engaged and neutralized three different targets, including:
- Two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs
- One multi-copter drone
The QRSAM, VSHORADS, and laser-based DEW destroyed targets at different ranges and altitudes. According to the Ministry of Defence, all components, including command and control systems, communication systems, radars, and weapon systems, worked flawlessly. Data was validated by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
Strategic Importance of IADWS
This test marks a major step in making India’s air defence much stronger by adding multiple layers of protection. It gives the country the ability to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and UAVs before they can cause any damage. These systems are designed to work in an integrated way for maximum efficiency and speed. In the coming years, the system will be connected with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Indian Army’s advanced Akashteer network.
This integration will allow for real-time sharing of data, quick decision-making, and coordinated responses during threats. Together, these systems will create a powerful nationwide security shield that can cover every critical area. This shield will protect not only the country’s borders but also vital infrastructure such as power plants, communication hubs, and industrial facilities, along with important military assets. It will make India better prepared to handle any aerial threat and maintain strong national security in the future.
Role of DRDO and Industry Collaboration
The Indian Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is the outcome of advanced collaboration between DRDO laboratories and the Indian defence industry. Several key organizations have played a major role in its development. The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) has designed and developed the Command and Control system, ensuring seamless coordination of all components. The Research Centre Imarat (RCI) has contributed by developing the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile, which strengthens close-range defence capabilities. Additionally, the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) has worked on cutting-edge Directed Energy Weapons to enhance futuristic defence technologies. The private sector will also play a vital role in large-scale production and system integration under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, ensuring timely deployment and operational readiness of the system across the country.
Lessons from Past Conflicts
The development of the Indian Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is driven by the changing nature of modern warfare, where aerial threats have become faster, smarter, and more diverse. In past conflicts, India successfully intercepted Pakistani missiles and drones using advanced systems such as the S-400 Triumf, Barak 8 Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), and the indigenous Akash missile system. These capabilities have strengthened India’s defence posture, but the need for a fully integrated and indigenous solution has grown significantly. With IADWS, India is taking a major step towards self-reliance by developing a comprehensive air defence network entirely within the country, ensuring complete protection against evolving threats while reducing dependence on foreign systems.
The Road Ahead: Mission Sudarshan Chakra 2035
The next phase of development focuses on several key steps to make the Indian Air Defence Weapon System fully operational. These include integrating the system with existing defence networks for seamless coordination and real-time threat response. Mass production of the systems will follow to ensure timely deployment across strategic locations. Additional tests will be conducted under diverse operational conditions to validate performance and reliability in real-world scenarios. Looking ahead, by 2035, India aims to establish a fully AI-driven, multi-layered security shield that will cover the entire country, offering comprehensive protection against all types of aerial threats and securing critical infrastructure and national assets.