India recently completed a successful test of its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), which effectively engaged and destroyed three targets at different altitudes off the Odisha coast.
India has successfully conducted a test of its new integrated air defence system, which employed multiple weapons to intercept and destroy three targets at varying altitudes and ranges off the Odisha coast, the Defence Ministry announced on Sunday. This development follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement of building a robust military capability to safeguard India’s civilian and military assets from aerial threats. He also set a 10-year target under Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create an indigenous air defence shield integrated with offensive weaponry.
The first trial of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), envisioned as a key element of the broader national security shield announced by the Prime Minister, was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday.
The IADWS is a layered air defence system that integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) and a laser-based directed energy weapon.
“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 the high-energy laser weapon system at different ranges and altitudes,” the defence ministry said.
The weapon system components, including the missile systems, drone detection and destruction system and command and control systems, along with communication and radars performed flawlessly as confirmed by range instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, to capture the flight data, it added in a statement.
In April, India successfully tested an indigenously developed laser weapon, showcasing its ability to destroy fixed-wing drones at long range, neutralise swarm drones and disable surveillance systems. With this achievement, India joined a select group of nations – including the US, Russia, China, the UK, Germany and Israel – that have mastered laser technology to counter missiles, drones and smaller projectiles.
The integrated functioning of IADWS components is managed through a centralised command and control centre, developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad.
“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,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra in his Independence Day speech. He said, “In the next 10 years, by 2035, I want to expand, strengthen and modernise this national security shield. Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna, we have chosen the path of Sudarshan Chakra.”
The indigenously developed air defence control and reporting system, Akashteer, played a pivotal role in India’s air defence network during Operation Sindoor — New Delhi’s direct military response to Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.