New Delhi, August 24:
In a landmark achievement for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) under the ambitious Mission Sudarshan Chakra. The test was carried out from the Odisha coast, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s multi-layered air defence shield.
The test was conducted at around 12:30 p.m., during which three aerial targets — two high-speed fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and one multi-copter drone — were simultaneously engaged and destroyed by different elements of the system. The operation showcased flawless coordination among the QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile), VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System), and Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), integrated through a centralised Command and Control Centre developed by DRDL Hyderabad.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, calling it “a major milestone that reflects India’s growing self-reliance and technological strength in defence.” He further said the system would serve as a vital shield against modern aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and hostile aircraft.
What is Mission Sudarshan Chakra?
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day 2025, Mission Sudarshan Chakra is inspired by the mythological weapon of Lord Krishna. It aims to develop a next-generation, multi-layered air defence network, capable of intercepting diverse threats across multiple ranges. The system integrates surface-to-air missiles, very short-range systems, and laser-based directed energy weapons to provide a comprehensive security umbrella for critical national establishments.
Strengths of the System
Multi-layered Protection: Ensures interception of threats at very short, short, and medium ranges.
Indigenous Development: Entirely designed and developed in India, promoting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Integrated Command: A centralised control centre enables rapid detection and decision-making.
Successful Demonstration: The maiden test validated the system’s ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously.
Challenges Ahead
Experts caution that while the test marks a breakthrough, the full operational deployment of the system will require sustained efforts. Cost of production, scalability, integration with existing defence infrastructure, and tackling evolving threats such as swarm drones and cyber-warfare remain critical challenges. The mission is expected to be fully realised by 2035.
A Message to Adversaries
With this achievement, India has taken a decisive step towards building its own “Iron Dome” equivalent. Defence analysts believe the system will act as both a deterrent and a force multiplier in the region. “It is not just a shield but also a message that India is ready to neutralise any aggression,” an expert said.
As DRDO moves forward with Mission Sudarshan Chakra, the successful test has not only boosted India’s defence preparedness but also reaffirmed its position as a rising technological power on the global stage.
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