India has successfully conducted the maiden firing tests of its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), marking a significant stride in bolstering its national defences. This multi-layered system, composed of indigenous missiles and high-powered lasers, is a crucial step towards developing "Mission Sudarshan Chakra", intended for completion by 2035. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) confirmed the successful flight tests, with all components performing flawlessly off the coast of Odisha.

The IADWS is designed to neutralise aerial threats at varying ranges and altitudes. Its components include three quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAMs) for protecting armoured columns, advanced very short-range air defence system (VSHORADS) missiles to counter targets like drones within 300m to 6km, and a high-power, laser-based directed energy weapon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced "Mission Sudarshan Chakra" on Independence Day, envisioning a comprehensive, multi-layered network combining surveillance, cybersecurity, and air defence as a medium to protect India and tighten its security.