India has strengthened its indigenous multi-layer missile defence programme under Mission Sudarshan Chakra through a series of missile tests and new defence infrastructure developments

India has strengthened its indigenous multi-layer missile defence programme under Mission Sudarshan Chakra through a series of missile tests and new defence infrastructure developments

¨     India has strengthened its indigenous multi-layer missile defence programme under Mission Sudarshan Chakra through a series of missile tests and new defence infrastructure developments in 2026.

¨     The programme covers ballistic missile defence, air defence, and anti-ship warfare systems for military and strategic installations.

¨     Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) is a system designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming ballistic missiles before they reach their targets.

¨     India’s evolving missile defence architecture includes interceptor missiles designed to counter Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs).

¨     IRBMs are ballistic missiles with ranges between 2,000 km and 5,000 km.

¨     The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted three consecutive missile flight tests on 10 and 11 June 2026.

¨     These trials validated technologies related to India’s multi-layered ballistic missile defence architecture and anti-ship warfare capabilities.

¨     Two advanced interceptor missiles were successfully tested from the Integrated Test Range.

¨     The tests demonstrated the effectiveness of India’s interceptor systems against ballistic missile threats.

¨     The Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR) successfully completed its maiden flight trial from a naval platform on 10–11 June 2026.

¨     NASM-MR is an indigenous medium-range anti-ship missile developed for naval operations.

¨     The trial evaluated key performance parameters, including navigation capability and terminal accuracy.

¨     Navigation and terminal accuracy assessments are standard elements of missile testing and validation.

¨     The successful trials mark significant progress in enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence technology and strengthening its strategic deterrence capabilities.