Context:

On August 23, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight-tests of the Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). The tests were conducted off the coast of Odisha and marked a major technological milestone for India’s self-reliant air defence architecture.

What is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is a multi-layered, mobile, and indigenous air defence solution designed to counter aerial threats such as drones, UAVs, aircraft, and cruise missiles.

It integrates three advanced components:

• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAMs)
• Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles
• Laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

These are managed through a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by DRDL, Hyderabad.

Key Components of IADWS:

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)

• Developer: DRDO
• Purpose: Protects moving armoured formations from enemy air attacks
• Range: 3 – 30 km
• Key Features:
• 360° surveillance and tracking
• Mobile launchers and radars
• "Shoot on the move" capability

Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• Developer: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
• Type: 4th-generation MANPAD
• Range: 300 m – 6 km
• Targets: UAVs, helicopters, low-flying aircraft
• Usage: Army, Navy, Air Force

Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

• Developer: Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad
• System: Laser DEW MK-II(A), vehicle-mounted
• Range: < 3 km
• Demonstration: Successfully neutralised UAVs and drone swarms via direct-energy targeting in April 2025
• Significance: India joins select nations with operational DEW technology

Strategic Significance:

Multi-Layered Defence Shield

·         Covers short, very short, and point-defence ranges.

·         Provides flexible response to a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

Indigenous Capability

·         Entirely developed in India by DRDO and associated defence labs.

·         Reduces reliance on foreign air defence systems, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

National Security Strengthening

·         Enhances area defence for critical installations and forward positions.

·         A major step toward Mission Sudarshan Chakra — India’s comprehensive air defence network.

About Mission Sudarshan Chakra:

The IADWS is a critical component of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious initiative announced by PM Modi to establish a fully integrated, layered defence system covering:

• Surveillance
• Cybersecurity
• Kinetic and non-kinetic air defence

It aims to protect strategic assets and border areas from:

• Long-range missiles
• Drones and UAVs
• Enemy aircraft

Conclusion:

The successful test of the IADWS marks a historic milestone for Indian defence technology. Its deployment will greatly enhance India’s ability to defend vital assets and respond swiftly to evolving aerial threats. It also reaffirms the government’s commitment to indigenisation and strategic autonomy in national security.