India has achieved a significant milestone in bolstering its air defense capabilities with the successful maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the tests on August 23, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM.
The IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system, indigenously designed to neutralize a wide array of aerial threats. It consists of 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).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Armed Forces, and the industry for the successful development of IADWS. He stated that this unique flight test has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of the country and will strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats.
The flight tests of the new air defence system occurred three-and-a-half months after Operation Sindoor. The IADWS is designed to neutralize fighter aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
