DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

DRDO Air Defence System Latest News

• The Ministry of Defence announced that the DRDO successfully carried out the first flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). 
• Conducted off the coast of Odisha, the system demonstrated its capability by simultaneously destroying three targets at varying ranges and altitudes, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence technology.

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

• The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is a multi-layered defence system comprising three key components:
  • Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAMs);
  • The advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles;
  • A laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). 
• During recent flight-tests at Chandipur, all components successfully performed their roles, as confirmed by range instruments, showcasing the system’s capability to intercept and neutralise multiple aerial threats with precision.

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Components of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

• The IADWS integrates three advanced weapon systems — QRSAM, VSHORADS, and DEW — controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by DRDL, Hyderabad.
• Together, QRSAM, VSHORADS, and DEW make IADWS a multi-layered, mobile, and technologically advanced defence shield capable of countering a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)

• Developer: DRDO
• Role: Provides a protective shield to moving Army armoured columns against enemy aerial threats.
• Range: 3–30 km
• Features: Configured on highly mobile platforms with the ability to search, track, and fire on the move.
• System Components: Automated command and control, two radars (Battery Surveillance Radar & Multifunction Radar, both with 360° coverage), and a launcher.

Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• Developer: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
• Type: Fourth-generation, man-portable air defence system (MANPAD).
• Range: 300 m – 6 km
• Capability: Neutralises drones, UAVs, and other aerial threats, usable by Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

• Developer: Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad
• Type: Vehicle-mounted Laser DEW MK-II(A)
• Range: < 3 km
• Recent Demonstration: In April, successfully destroyed UAVs and swarm drones by causing structural damage and disabling sensors.
• Significance: Places India among a select group of nations with operational directed-energy systems.

Strategic Significance of the IADWS

• The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is strategically important as it can neutralise diverse aerial threats — from high-speed to low-speed, and fixed-wing to rotary-wing aircraft — within a 30 km range. 
• Its indigenous command and control system and fully homegrown weapons mark a major milestone in India’s defence self-reliance. 
• The maiden test demonstrated effective integration of missiles and directed energy weapons, strengthening India’s multi-layered air defence with faster response capability and reduced reliance on foreign systems. 
• Officials view the test as both a strategic leap in indigenous defence capability and a stepping stone towards Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
  • PM Modi has announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a multi-layered, networked defence system designed to protect India and its critical installations from diverse enemy attacks. 
  • The shield will integrate surveillance, cybersecurity, and air defence systems to provide layered protection against threats such as long-range missiles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. 
  • Covering both border areas and vital national assets, the mission aims to create a comprehensive security framework capable of detecting, intercepting, and neutralising threats across multiple domains.

India’s Air Defence Success in Operation Sindoor Aftermath

• During the hostilities that followed Operation Sindoor, Indian air defences successfully intercepted Pakistani missiles and drones. 
• Key systems such as the S-400 Triumf, Barak 8 MRSAM, and the indigenous Akash missile were deployed, while the Armed Forces activated an Integrated Counter-UAS Grid alongside other air defence measures. 
• Together, these systems effectively neutralised enemy threats, underscoring the robustness of India’s layered air defence capability.

Source: IE | TH | IE