NEWS – The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Features of IADWS

• Multi-layered Defence:
  • Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM)
  • Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles
  • High-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)
• Integrated Components:
  • Missile systems, drone detection and destruction system
  • Command and control with radars and communication systems

Test Details

• Conducted around 12:30 p.m. off the Odisha coast at Chandipur Integrated Test Range.
• Targets Neutralised:
  • Two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs
  • One multi-copter drone
• Weapons engaged at different ranges and altitudes.
• All systems, including radars and communications, performed flawlessly.

Strategic Significance

• Technological Leap: Demonstrates India’s capability to integrate missiles with emerging directed energy weapons.
• Countering Modern Threats: Addresses challenges from UAVs, drones, and aerial threats in modern warfare.
• Self-Reliance: Reinforces the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative with indigenous technology.