The government of India has approved the procurement of an indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) worth Rs 5,181 crore to strengthen aerial security over the VIP‑89 zone— a crucial, highly
restricted no-fly zone—in Delhi-NCR, CNN-News18 has learnt.
The Air Force‑centric system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will provide multi‑layered protection against modern aerial threats within a 30‑kilometre range around the national capital.
Senior government sources told CNN-News18 that the decision reflects an urgent move to plug low‑altitude defence gaps exposed by evolving threats from drones, loitering munitions and cruise missiles. By prioritising an indigenously built system, the government has reinforced its commitment to reduce reliance on imports while bolstering real‑time, networked air defence capability across critical infrastructure and VIP zones. The approval forms part of defence expenditure cleared by the government on Monday.
Officials describe the initiative as a pilot project in line with the Sudarshan Chakra framework, underscoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on forward planning and strengthening India’s air defence architecture. The move aims to secure VIP corridors and strategic assets against advanced aerial threats expected over the next decade.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a new, indigenous, multi-layered national defence initiative that was announced by PM Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15 this year. The goal is to establish a comprehensive security shield for India by 2035, protecting critical infrastructure, cities, and military installations.
The impetus for such a fortified defensive posture follows Operation Sindoor, India’s military campaign launched in May 2025 after a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. India conducted coordinated strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir in a rapid, measured operation.
As Pakistan retaliated, Indian air defence systems played a crucial role in thwarting attempts to strike cities and military sites with drones and missiles. Indian forces successfully intercepted hostile aerial incursions overnight on May 7-8, ensuring no damage to intended targets or critical infrastructure, as aerial defence grids and counter‑UAV systems neutralised threats.
Strengthening defensive readiness around Delhi NCR is seen as vital to protecting key political and civilian hubs in an environment where aerial threats have become increasingly sophisticated.
The approval of the IADWS and its associated equipment marks a significant step in India’s efforts to build a self‑reliant and robust air defence ecosystem, aimed at deterring and defending against future aggression without dependence on foreign imports.
