Saralnama
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) on August 23, 2025, off the coast of Odisha at around 12 pm. The IADWS is a multi-layered air defence platform comprising 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 tests, the system simultaneously engaged and destroyed three aerial targets, including two high-speed fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and one multi-copter drone, at varying distances and altitudes. The integrated operation of missile systems, command and control, communication, and radar components performed without any faults, as confirmed by data from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Armed Forces, and industry for the successful development and testing of IADWS, stating that it establishes India’s multi-layered air defence capability and will strengthen area defence against enemy aerial threats. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also extended congratulations to all teams involved in the successful flight tests. (Updated 24 Aug 2025, 14:13 IST; source: link)