DRDO Conducts Maiden Flight-Test of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

In a major milestone for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha at around 12:30 hrs today.

The IADWS is a cutting-edge, multi-layered air defence architecture comprising the indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). The system is designed to provide comprehensive protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, from drones and UAVs to high-speed aircraft.

Advanced Indigenous Systems at the Core

The integrated operation of all weapon system components is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), the nodal laboratory for the programme.

• VSHORADS has been developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
• The high-power Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) was designed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS).

This marks the first time that India has tested a fully integrated system combining missile-based and directed energy weapon technologies under a unified air defence shield.

Successful Neutralisation of Multiple Targets

During the tests, three different targets were engaged simultaneously:

• Two high-speed fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• One multi-copter drone

The targets were successfully detected, tracked, and destroyed by the QRSAM, VSHORADS, and DEW at varying ranges and altitudes.

The trial also validated the flawless performance of the supporting ecosystem, including the radar systems, communication networks, command and control infrastructure, and drone detection & destruction systems. Data collected by Range instruments at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur confirmed the mission’s success.

The historic test was observed by senior scientists from DRDO and representatives of the Indian Armed Forces, marking a critical step towards deploying the IADWS for operational use.

The successful maiden test underscores India’s progress in developing state-of-the-art indigenous defence systems under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. With the inclusion of high-energy laser weapons, India joins a select group of nations advancing towards futuristic air defence solutions.