The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The tests, conducted at 12:30 pm on Saturday, mark a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence capability development. They come three-and-a-half months after the successful Operation Sindoor.
The IADWS is a fully indigenous, multi-layered air defence system designed to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of aerial threats. It integrates quick reaction surface-to-air missiles, very short-range air defence system (VSHORADS) missiles, and advanced high-power laser-based directed energy weapons (DEWs).
By combining missile-based and directed-energy interception capabilities, the IADWS enhances India’s layered air defence architecture. The successful tests underscore DRDO’s progress in developing next-generation technologies aimed at strengthening the country’s self-reliance and operational readiness in air defence.
