DRDO Conducts Successful Initial Flight-Tests of Integrated Air Defence System
In a significant advancement for India's defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully executed the initial flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha at approximately 12:30 pm on August 23, 2025.
The IADWS represents a multi-layered indigenous air defense system, integrating the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), the Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). These components are managed by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL). The VSHORADS was created by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), while the DEW was designed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS).
During the trials, the system successfully engaged and destroyed three different aerial targets, including two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs and a multi-copter drone, at various ranges and altitudes. The flawless operation of missile systems, laser weapons, radars, and the command-and-control network was confirmed by instruments stationed at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur.
Senior DRDO scientists and representatives from the Armed Forces were present to witness the successful demonstration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the accomplishment, noting that the tests have "established the multi-layered air defence capability of the country and will significantly strengthen area defence of critical facilities against enemy aerial threats."
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, extended his congratulations to all the teams involved in the successful trials.
