Sudarshan Chakra’s name is inspired by the famous weapon ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ of Lord Vishnu, which is a symbol of defeating enemies.
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completed the first flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on 23 August 2025 at around 12:30 pm. This achievement is a big step towards further strengthening India’s air defence system.
What is IADWS?
IADWS is a multi-level air defence system, using completely indigenous technologies. It includes…
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM): It is a fast-reacting missile, capable of preventing air attacks. These missiles are fitted with an indigenous radio frequency seeker (RF Seeker). Apart from this, this system has a mobile launcher, an automated command and control system, surveillance and multi-function radar. After firing this missile, forget about it. It chases and kills its target.
Advanced Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS): It is a short-range missile system, designed to destroy near-term threats.
High Power Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): It is a state-of-the-art laser weapon, capable of neutralising enemy air attacks.
This system together forms a strong security shield, which will help protect the country’s important installations from air threats.
What is the Sudarshan Chakra?
‘Sudarshan Chakra’ is a new Air Defence System of India, developed by DRDO and ISRO. Its name is inspired by the famous weapon ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ of Lord Vishnu of Hindu mythology, which is a symbol of defeating enemies. It is an advanced missile defence and surveillance system, designed to protect India from air attacks, missiles and drone attacks.
What are the features of the Sudarshan Chakra?
Range: Ability to destroy enemy missiles up to 2500 km.
Altitude: Can intercept missiles in the air up to 150 km.
Technology: It has artificial intelligence (AI) and laser-guided systems, which target accurately.
Speed: It can fire missiles at a speed of 18000 kmph.
Structure: It is a ground-based and space-based hybrid system, which includes satellite and radar networks.
Target: To destroy ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons.
Deployment: The target is to make it fully operational by 2026. The cost is estimated to be around Rs 50,000 crore.
Speciality of QRSAM
HMX/TNT or pre-fragmented warhead can be installed on top of QRSAM. The weight of the warhead can be 32 kg. The range of the missile is 3 to 30 km. It can go from a height of 98 feet to a height of 33 thousand feet. Its maximum speed is Mach 4.7 i.e. 5757.70 km/hr. It can be fired from a six-tube launcher truck.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The IADWS is a big step towards further strengthening India’s air defence system.
- It uses QRSAM, which is a fast-reacting missile, capable of preventing air attacks.
- Sudarshan Chakra is a new Air Defence System of India, developed by DRDO and ISRO.
- Sudarshan Chakra can destroy enemy missiles up to 2500 km and intercept missiles in the air up to 150 km.
DRDO, the Indian Armed Forces and industry have been congratulated for this successful test. This test further strengthens India’s air defence capability. This first test of IADWS is an important step towards ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, which will play an important role in protecting the country from air threats.
