Integrated Air Defence Weapon System Under Mission Sudarshan Chakra

• 25 Aug 2025

Source: IE 

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), under Mission Sudarshan Chakra. 

• Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Announced on the 79th Independence Day, it is a national security initiative that aims to develop an indigenous Iron Dome-like air defence system (with advanced technologies, and multi-layered defence systems) by 2035 to protect critical civil and defence infrastructure 
  • The mission aims to neutralize enemy attacks and enable swift counterstrikes, ensuring rapid, precise defence and strengthening India’s strategic autonomy. 
• IADWS: It is an advanced, indigenous multi-layered air defence system with QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles), VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System), and DEW (Directed Energy Weapon) (a laser-based high-energy system). 
  • Controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, IADWS ensures real-time detection and neutralization of targets like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and missiles.  
  • IADWS builds on India’s use of S-400, Barak-8, and Akash systems during Operation Sindoor to intercept Pakistani drones and missiles. 
  • Its successful flight tests mark a major step in strengthening India’s self-reliant and integrated air defence capabilities.

Read more:   India’s Advancements in Ballistic and Air Defence Systems