NewKerala.com

Key Points

DRDO has successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System off the Odisha coast. The system engaged and destroyed three different drone targets simultaneously using indigenous missile and laser technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams, stating this strengthens India's multi-layered air defence capabilities. The test demonstrates India's growing self-reliance in advanced defence technology systems.

Key Points: DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

  • DRDO tests indigenous multi-layered air defence system for first time
  • System simultaneously engaged three different drone targets at various ranges
  • Integrated QRSAM, VSHORADS missiles and laser weapon technology
  • Centralised Command and Control Centre coordinates all weapon components
3 min read

DRDO successfully conducts maiden flight tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

DRDO conducts maiden flight tests of multi-layered Integrated Air Defence Weapon System using indigenous QRSAM, VSHORADS missiles and laser DEW technology.

"This unique flight test has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country - Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, August 24

Premier Defence Research agency DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has conducted the maiden flight tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.

The flight tests were conducted on August 23 at around 12.30 pm.

IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

Integrated operation of all the weapon system components is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory, which is the nodal laboratory of the programme. VSHORADS and DEW are developed by the Research Centre Imarat & Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences, respectively.

During the flight-tests, three different targets, including two high-speed fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle targets and a multi-copter drone, were simultaneously engaged and destroyed completely by the QRSAM, VSHORADS and High Energy Laser weapon system at different ranges and altitudes. All the weapon system components, including the missile systems and drone detection & destruction system, weapon system command & control, along with communication and radars, performed flawlessly, which was confirmed by Range instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, to capture the flight data. The test was witnessed by senior scientists from DRDO and representatives from the Armed Forces.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the India Armed Forces and the Industry for the successful development of IADWS, stating that this unique flight test has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and is going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats.

https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1959465289156116509

In a post on X, the Defence Minister wrote, "The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha. IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high power laser based Directed Energy Weapon(DEW)."

"I congratulate DRDO, India Armed forces and Industry for successful development of IADWS. This unique flight test has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and is going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats," the social media post said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, has congratulated all teams involved in the successful flight-tests.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The laser weapon system is particularly impressive! Shows how far our defence technology has come. Hope these systems get deployed quickly to protect our borders and critical infrastructure.
M
Michael C
As someone working in defence tech, this is a remarkable achievement. Integrating multiple systems (QRSAM, VSHORADS, DEW) into one cohesive unit is no small feat. The command and control centre must be highly sophisticated.
A
Ananya R
Great news! But I hope the government ensures these systems are actually deployed effectively and not just kept for show. Our soldiers deserve the best equipment to protect our nation.
Siddharth J
This is what happens when we invest in our own scientists and researchers instead of importing everything. DRDO has really stepped up its game in recent years. Jai Hind! 🚀
N
Nikhil C
While this is impressive, I hope the timeline from testing to actual deployment is reasonable. Sometimes these projects take too long to reach our armed forces. Still, congratulations to the DRDO team!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50