Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Advanced Weapon System Complex in Hyderabad

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex within the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 12 June 2026. The facility has been developed by the Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for next-generation weapon development and indigenous missile and air defence capability.

Defence Research and Development Organisation

The Defence Research and Development Organisation is India’s premier defence research agency under the Ministry of Defence. It works through multiple clusters, including the Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster, which handles missile, strategic, and related defence technologies.

Missile and Air Defence Systems

India’s indigenous missile systems include Akash and BrahMos. Akash is a surface-to-air missile system, while BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia.

Project Kusha and Multi-layered Defence

Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range air defence programme under development in India. The system is planned with interceptor variants of 150 km, 250 km, and 400 km, and it is linked with India’s multi-layered missile defence architecture.

Important Facts for Exams

• DRDL stands for Defence Research and Development Laboratory, which functions under DRDO.
• The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a national plan for a comprehensive missile defence architecture.
• Akash is an indigenous surface-to-air missile system, and BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.

Strategic Autonomy and Production

India’s defence policy includes higher indigenous content, shorter development-to-production timelines, and systems designed for rapid mass production. These features are linked with strategic autonomy, deterrence, and national security requirements.