DRDO successfully flight-tests Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha at around 12:30 hrs on August 23, 2025. Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is a multi-layered air defence system comprising all 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).

DRDO successfully flight-tests Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

DRDO successfully flight-tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.

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IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising all 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).

Integrated operation of all the weapon system components is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory being the nodal laboratory of the programme. VSHORADS and DEW are developed by Research Centre Imarat & Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences respectively.

Flight-tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

During the flight-tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) three different targets including two high-speed fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle targets and a multi-copter drone were simultaneously engaged and destroyed completely by the QRSAM, VSHORADS and High Energy Laser weapon system at different ranges and altitudes.

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All the weapon system components including the missile systems and drone detection & destruction system, weapon system command & control along with communication and radars, performed flawlessly which was confirmed by Range instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur to capture the flight data.

The test of indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) was witnessed by senior scientists from DRDO and representatives from the Armed Forces.

About Integrated Air Defence Weapon System 

The indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is designed as a multi-layered aerial shield, combining cutting-edge indigenous technologies.

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The Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles in the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System provide quick reaction interception of incoming threats, while the High Energy Laser DEW adds an advanced layer capable of neutralising drones, missiles and high speed aircraft.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, Armed forces and the Industry for successful development of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). He stated that this unique flight-tests has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of the country and is going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats.

Static Current Affairs related to DRDO for upcoming exams

• DRDO Formed by: 1958
• Full form of DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation
• Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi
• DRDO Motto: Sanskrit: बलस्य मूलं विज्ञानम्  "Strength's Origin is in Knowledge"
• DRDO Executive: Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman, DRDO