In a significant leap towards bolstering its defense capabilities, India has successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of its indigenously developed Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the tests off the coast of Odisha on August 23, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM.

The IADWS is a multi-layered air defense system, designed to intercept and neutralize a wide range of aerial threats. It integrates several cutting-edge, indigenous technologies, including the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), the Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

During the flight tests, the IADWS engaged and destroyed three different targets simultaneously. These included two high-speed, fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) targets and a multi-copter drone, all neutralized at varying ranges and altitudes. The DRDO affirmed that all components of the weapon system, including the missile systems, drone detection and destruction systems, command and control mechanisms, communication systems, and radars, performed flawlessly. The Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, deployed range instruments to capture flight data, confirming the success of the tests.

The IADWS features a Centralized Command and Control Centre, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory, which ensures the integrated operation of all weapon system components. The VSHORADS and DEW were developed by Research Centre Imarat & Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences respectively.

The successful testing of the IADWS marks a major milestone in India's efforts to create a robust, multi-layered air defense system. This system is designed to act as a comprehensive shield against aerial attacks, protecting গুরুত্বপূর্ণ facilities and infrastructure from enemy threats. According to the Ministry of Defence, the "multi-layered framework" will integrate advanced surveillance, cybersecurity measures and physical safeguards to protect both citizens and infrastructure from potential enemy strikes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the Indian Defence industry on this achievement. He stated that this unique flight test 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. He also expressed his appreciation in a post on X.

The DRDO also shared a video of the successful test on X, further highlighting the achievement.

This development aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on Independence Day regarding the 'Sudarshan Chakra', a comprehensive missile defense system. He stated his intentions to expand, strengthen and modernize this shield by 2035, ensuring the entire system is researched, developed and manufactured in India.

The successful flight tests of the IADWS represent a significant step towards realizing this vision, enhancing India's defense capabilities and its ability to safeguard its interests against evolving aerial threats.