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 on August 23, 2025.

Key Highlights

• Date & Location: Successfully conducted on August 23, 2025, off the coast of Odisha.
• System Tested: Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS).
• Strategic Objective: Part of “Mission Sudarshan Chakra” to develop a homegrown nationwide security shield from multi-domain enemy attacks by 2035.

System Components (All Indigenous):

• Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM)
• Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles
• High-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

Command & Control:

• Integrated operation is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre.
• Developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory, the nodal lab for the programme.

Development Labs:

• VSHORADS developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
• DEW developed by Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS).

Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Capabilities:

• Engages targets at the speed of light once detected by radar or its Electro Optic (EO) system.
• Uses an intense laser beam to cause structural failure or target the warhead.
• Advantages: Reduces reliance on expensive ammunition and lowers the risk of collateral damage.

(Source: PIB)