DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

In a landmark achievement for India’s defense modernization, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of the all-indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The multi-layered system, designed to neutralize a spectrum of aerial threats, marks a significant leap in India’s self-reliant defense capabilities.

What Is IADWS?

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System is a tiered, modular air defense architecture that combines:

• QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles) for medium-range threats
• VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) for close-range engagements
• Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) using high-power lasers to disable drones and low-altitude targets

All components are seamlessly coordinated through a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), enabling real-time threat assessment and response.

Maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) was successfully conducted on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha.

IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM),… pic.twitter.com/Jp3v1vEtJp

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) August 24, 2025

Inside the Test: Precision Across Layers

Conducted at 12:30 PM IST at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, the test involved three aerial targets:

• Two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs
• One multi-copter drone

Each target was intercepted by a different tier of the IADWS:

• QRSAM neutralized medium-range UAVs with precision-guided missiles
• VSHORADS engaged short-range threats using shoulder-fired systems
• DEW successfully disabled the drone using laser energy

Strategic Implications

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, stating:
“The successful demonstration of IADWS reflects India’s growing prowess in multi-layered air defence and indigenous innovation. It strengthens our ability to protect critical infrastructure and national assets against evolving aerial threats.”
This test places India in elite company alongside nations like:

Country	System Name	Capabilities
🇺🇸 USA	Patriot, THAAD	Long-range, ballistic missile defense
🇷🇺 Russia	S-400	Multi-target, long-range interception
🇮🇱 Israel	Iron Dome	Short-range rocket and drone defense
🇮🇳 India	IADWS	Integrated kinetic + laser-based defense

What’s Next?

With successful validation of its layered architecture, IADWS is expected to undergo further trials before deployment across strategic zones, including border regions and critical urban infrastructure. Its modular design allows for rapid deployment and scalability, making it a cornerstone of India’s future air defense grid.