Overview
India is building a multi-layer missile defence system under Mission Sudarshan Chakra. Recent tests on 10-11 June 2026 included interceptor missiles and the maiden flight of NASM-MR anti-ship missile. A new Advanced Weapon System Complex was opened in Hyderabad. The system aims to protect against ballistic missiles up to 5,000 km range.
A Shield for the Nation
India faces threats from ballistic missiles. Some neighbouring countries have missiles that can reach deep into Indian territory. To protect its cities, military bases, and critical infrastructure, India is building a multi-layer missile defence system. This programme is called Mission Sudarshan Chakra . It was announced on 15 August 2025. The goal is to have a fully operational system by 2035. In June 2026, India took big steps forward. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three missile tests on 10 and 11 June. On 12 June, a new Advanced Weapon System Complex was opened in Hyderabad. These developments show that India is serious about protecting its skies and seas.
What is Mission Sudarshan Chakra?
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a comprehensive missile defence programme. It covers three areas:
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Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) – to shoot down incoming ballistic missiles.
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Air Defence – to destroy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
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Aerial Offensive Capabilities – to strike enemy targets.
The mission aims to protect not only military installations but also civilian establishments and critical infrastructure like power plants, dams, and space centres. The system will be integrated across defence, research, and private sectors. By 2035, India wants a fully indigenous, multi-layered shield that can intercept missiles in space and inside the atmosphere.
Recent Missile Tests: 10-11 June 2026
On 10 and 11 June 2026, DRDO conducted three consecutive missile flight tests. These were held at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha . The tests validated key technologies for India’s ballistic missile defence and anti-ship warfare capabilities.
Ballistic Missile Defence Interceptors
Two advanced interceptor missiles were tested. These interceptors are designed to destroy Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs) . IRBMs have a range of 2,000 km to 5,000 km . That means they can be launched from neighbouring countries and hit major Indian cities within minutes. The interceptors can operate in two modes:
Having both modes provides a layered defence . If one layer misses, another can still destroy the target.
Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR)
The third test was the maiden flight trial of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR). This is a new missile developed for the Indian Navy. It is designed to strike enemy ships at medium ranges. The missile was launched from a naval platform. The trial included checks on navigation and terminal accuracy – how precisely the missile hits its target. The test was successful. Once fully developed, NASM-MR will give the Indian Navy a powerful weapon to keep enemy warships away from Indian waters.
Project Kusha: Key Component of Sudarshan Chakra
Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system . It is a major part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra. It has three interceptor variants with ranges of:
These interceptors can destroy enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles from long distances. Project Kusha is often compared with the Russian S-400 Triumf system, which India has also purchased. But Project Kusha is fully Indian. It will reduce dependence on foreign systems and save money.
Advanced Weapon System Complex Inaugurated
On 12 June 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. This new facility will support the development and production of indigenous missile and air defence systems. It will house laboratories, testing facilities, and manufacturing units. The complex is expected to speed up the delivery of systems under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Why India Needs Multi-Layer Missile Defence
Ballistic missiles are difficult to intercept because they fly very high and very fast. A single interceptor may miss. That is why a layered approach is used. The enemy missile is engaged at multiple points: during boost phase (just after launch), in space (mid-course), and during re-entry (terminal phase). India’s system is being designed to cover all these phases.
Currently, only a few countries have such advanced ballistic missile defence. These include the United States, Russia, Israel, and China. With Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India is joining this elite club.
A Human Touch: The Scientists Behind the Shield
Behind the headlines are real people. Scientists and engineers at DRDO work day and night. They face failures, but they learn from them. One senior scientist said after the June tests, “When we saw the interceptor hit the target on the radar, there was silence, then clapping. Some of us had tears. This is why we do what we do.” Another young engineer working on NASM-MR said, “I joined DRDO five years ago. I worked on the guidance system. Today, I saw it fly. I called my mother. She was crying with joy.” These stories remind us that national security is built by ordinary people doing extraordinary work.
The Road Ahead
More tests will follow. The system will be tested against multiple incoming missiles at the same time. It will also be tested against different types of missiles – short-range, medium-range, and intercontinental. The goal is to have a fully operational system by 2035. By then, India’s major cities, nuclear facilities, and military bases will be protected by an indigenous missile defence shield.
Conclusion
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is India’s ambitious answer to missile threats. With successful tests of interceptor missiles and the NASM-MR, and the opening of a new weapon complex, India has shown that it is serious about protecting its people. The system is not yet complete, but the progress is clear. In a dangerous world, a strong shield is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
Exam-Focused Points
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Mission Sudarshan Chakra announced: 15 August 2025.
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Goal: Multi-layer missile defence system for military and civilian installations by 2035.
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Components: Ballistic missile defence, air defence, aerial offensive capabilities.
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Recent tests: 10-11 June 2026 at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
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Systems tested: Two BMD interceptors (for IRBMs) and NASM-MR (maiden flight).
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IRBM range: 2,000 km to 5,000 km.
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Interceptor modes: Exo-atmospheric (space) and endo-atmospheric (atmosphere).
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NASM-MR full form: Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range.
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Project Kusha: Long-range surface-to-air missile system with 150 km, 250 km, and 350-400 km variants.
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Project Kusha compared to: S-400 Triumf (Russian system).
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Advanced Weapon System Complex inaugurated: 12 June 2026 at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad.
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Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh.
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Integrated Test Range location: Chandipur, Odisha.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Mission Sudarshan Chakra?
A: It is India’s indigenous multi-layer missile defence programme, announced on 15 August 2025, aimed at protecting military and civilian installations from ballistic missiles, aircraft, and other aerial threats by 2035.
Q2: What recent tests did DRDO conduct in June 2026?
A: On 10 and 11 June 2026, DRDO tested two ballistic missile defence interceptors and the maiden flight of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR).
Q3: What is Project Kusha?
A: Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system with three interceptor variants covering ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350-400 km. It is a key part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Q4: Where is the Integrated Test Range located?
A: The Integrated Test Range is located at Chandipur in Odisha. It is India’s major missile testing facility.
Q5: Who inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex?
A: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex on 12 June 2026 at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.