India's defense capabilities have received a significant boost with the successful maiden flight tests of the indigenously developed Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the tests off the coast of Odisha on August 23, 2025, marking a major milestone in the country's pursuit of a self-reliant, multi-domain defense shield.

The IADWS is a multi-layered air defense system designed to protect military and civilian installations from aerial attacks. It integrates several domestically developed weapons to create a comprehensive shield against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. The system comprises three key components: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), the advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

How the System Works:

The IADWS functions as an integrated unit, with its components working in tandem to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats. The integrated operation of all weapon system components is managed by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad. This command center serves as the nodal point for the entire program.

Key Components:

• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM): Designed and developed by DRDO, the QRSAM system provides a protective shield to moving Army armored columns against enemy aerial threats. It is a short-range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system with a range of 3 to 30 km, capable of protecting moving armored columns from aerial attacks. Configured on mobile platforms, QRSAM can provide air defense on the move. The QRSAM weapon ensemble includes a fully automated command and control system, two radars (Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar), and a launcher. Both radars offer 360-degree coverage with 'search on move' and 'track on move' capabilities.

• Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS): VSHORADS is a fourth-generation, technically advanced miniaturized Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD). Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, this system can meet the needs of all three branches of the Armed Forces: Army, Navy, and Air Force. It can neutralize targets, including drones and other aerial threats, within a range of 300 meters to six kilometers.

• Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): This high-power laser-based weapon, developed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), can engage targets at the speed of light. The intense laser beam cuts through the target, leading to structural failure or, if the warhead is targeted, more impactful results. DRDO has developed 2 and 10-kilowatt lasers to disable or destroy drones and small remotely piloted aircraft at a distance of 1-2 km.

Flight Tests and Performance:

During the flight tests, the IADWS successfully engaged and destroyed three different targets simultaneously. These included two high-speed fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) targets and a multi-copter drone, engaged at different ranges and altitudes. The QRSAM, VSHORADS, and the high-energy laser weapon system completely destroyed the targets. Range instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, confirmed that all weapon system components, including missile systems, drone detection and destruction systems, command and control systems, communication, and radars, performed flawlessly.

Strategic Significance:

The successful testing of IADWS is a significant step towards realizing "Mission Sudarshan Chakra" by 2035, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a comprehensive, multi-layered, networked system to protect India and its vital installations from multi-domain enemy attacks. This indigenous air defense system is expected to offer multiple layers of protection by integrating surveillance, threat identification, and air defense systems. It will enhance area defense capabilities for critical facilities against enemy aerial threats.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industry for their contributions to developing the IADWS. He stated that these unique flight tests have established the country's multi-layered air defense capability and will strengthen the defense of important facilities against enemy aerial threats. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also congratulated all teams involved in the successful flight tests.