Bhubaneswar, August 24, 2025: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) on August 23, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM IST off the coast of Odisha.
The IADWS is a multi-layered, fully indigenous air defence system comprising the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Armed Forces, and the industry for the successful development of this advanced system, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities.
Key Features of IADWS - The IADWS is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
The system integrates three core components:
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM): For medium-range interception of aerial targets.
Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS): For close-range engagement of low-flying threats.
High-Power Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): A futuristic technology for precise, high-speed interception of targets, particularly drones and low-altitude threats.
Test Details-
During the maiden flight tests, the IADWS demonstrated its multi-layered defence capabilities by simultaneously engaging and destroying three different aerial targets:
Two high-speed fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
One multi-copter drone.also read:Chithradurga’s MLA K.C. Veerendra pappi brought to Bengaluru from Gangtok last night.
These targets were detected, tracked, and neutralised at varying ranges and altitudes by the QRSAM, VSHORADS, and DEW systems. The tests validated the seamless performance of all system components, including missile systems, drone detection and destruction mechanisms, command and control infrastructure, communication networks, and radars. Data captured by range instruments at ITR Chandipur confirmed the mission’s success.