DRDO SUCCESSFULLY TESTS INDIGENOUS INTEGRATED AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM
Why In News:
- In August, 2025, Ministry of Defence announced that DRDO has successfully conducted first flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS).
- It demonstrated simultaneous destruction of three aerial targets at different altitudes and ranges off the coast of Odisha.
What is IADWS?
- Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is an indigenously developed, multi-layered air defence system designed to provide 360-degree protection against aerial threats, including drones, UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft.
KEY FEATURES
- Multi-layered defence within a 30 km envelope
- Integration of missile systems + laser-based directed energy weapon
- Fully indigenous components and centralized command and control
- Capability to engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously
MAIN COMPONENTS OF IADWS
1. QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile)
- Developer: DRDO
- Purpose: Protect moving armoured columns of the Indian Army from enemy aerial attacks
- Range: 3 – 30 km
- Key Features:
- Mounted on highly mobile platforms
- Search-on-move and track-on-move radar capabilities
- Two radar systems:
- Battery Surveillance Radar
- Battery Multifunction Radar
- One launcher + fully automated command and control system
- 360-degree target tracking
2. VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System)
- Developer: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO
- Type: 4th generation, Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD)
- Range: 300 meters – 6 km
- Targets: Drones, helicopters, low-flying aircraft
- Application: Suitable for Army, Navy, and Air Force
3. DEW (Directed Energy Weapon)
- Developer: Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO
- Type: High-power laser-based weapon system
- Range: < 3 km
- Capabilities:
- Targets fixed-wing UAVs, swarm drones
- Causes structural damage and sensor disruption
- Demonstrates non-kinetic, silent destruction
- Significance: India joins the elite group of nations with operational laser-based air defence systems
COMMAND & CONTROL SYSTEM
- Developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
- Centralised Command and Control Centre integrates all three systems
- Ensures coordinated targeting and engagement
STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF IADWS
| Aspect | Significance |
| Indigenisation | Entire system is developed domestically by DRDO – reduces foreign dependence |
| Layered Defence | Offers air defence across multiple layers — from very short to medium range |
| Operational Readiness | Capable of rapid response to a variety of aerial threats |
| Technology Leap | Integration of kinetic (missile) and non-kinetic (laser) systems |
| Future Potential | Foundation for Mission Sudarshan Chakra – a comprehensive defence shield |
MISSION SUDARSHAN CHAKRA
- Announced by: PM Narendra Modi during Independence Day 2025
- Objective: Create a comprehensive air defence shield for India
- IADWS as a Step: First successful test of IADWS at low-range levels lays groundwork for expanding to longer ranges and more sophisticated threats
EXPERT OPINIONS
- Senior DRDO Scientist: “IADWS neutralises threats within a 30-km range — from drones to helicopters — using fully indigenous systems.”
- Former DRDO Facility Head: “This test is a strategic leap, showing seamless coordination between missile systems and laser weapons.”
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