In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday successfully carried out the maiden flight-tests of the country’s first fully indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast.
The system, developed under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, integrates three critical components—Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) and a High-Power Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). All are controlled through a centralised Command and Control Centre designed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL).
During the test, the IADWS simultaneously engaged and neutralised three different aerial threats—including two high-speed fixed-wing drones and a multi-copter—at varying altitudes and ranges. The performance of all subsystems, including radar, communication and detection equipment, was validated in real-time by range instruments at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
Defence Minister congratulated DRDO scientists, the Armed Forces and industry partners for the achievement. “This landmark success has established India’s multi-layered air defence capability, strengthening our ability to protect critical national assets from evolving aerial threats,” he said.
The successful trial marks a crucial milestone towards building a comprehensive national air defence shield, envisioned under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, with full operational deployment targeted by 2035.