Saralnama
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on August 23, 2025. The multi-layered system includes indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). During the test, IADWS simultaneously engaged and destroyed three different aerial targets, including two high-speed fixed-wing unmanned drones and a multicopter drone, at varying distances and altitudes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the successful test enhances India’s multi-layered air defence capabilities and strengthens regional defence against aerial threats. The system is part of the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, aimed at countering swarm drone attacks, and is expected to reduce reliance on foreign defence systems like Igla and CIWS. The IADWS integrates radar, sensors, and command centers to classify threats and deploy appropriate countermeasures, with QRSAM targeting high-altitude threats, VSHORADS addressing low-range attacks, and DEW handling drone swarms. This development follows India’s existing indigenous air defence systems such as Akash-Tir, which has been praised for its role in neutralizing aerial threats during Operation Sindur. (Updated 24 Aug 2025, 11:49 IST; source: link)