India has taken a significant step towards building a self-reliant, multi-domain defence shield with the successful maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) off the coast of Odisha around 12.30 pm on Sunday.
The IADWS is a fully indigenous, multi-layered air defence system that combines Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). The Ministry of Defence said the system is designed to provide comprehensive protection against aerial threats and is part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day, with goals set for 2035.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to create a nationwide security shield that integrates air defence, surveillance, and cybersecurity to counter enemy attacks across multiple domains. The project will be developed with collaboration between defence research organisations and private industry, and will eventually be linked with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Army’s Akashteer system.
During the flight tests, the system successfully engaged and destroyed three different aerial targets, including two high-speed fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and a multi-copter drone, at varying ranges and altitudes. All weapon components, including detection, command and control, communication, and radars, worked flawlessly, with performance verified by instruments from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.
The Ministry confirmed that the integrated operation of all weapon components is managed by a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory. The VSHORADS and DEW were designed by the Research Centre Imarat and the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences respectively.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, stating that the tests proved India’s multi-layered air defence capability and will strengthen area defence for critical facilities. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams involved in the project.
India has previously demonstrated its air defence strength during hostilities following Operation Sindoor, when systems like the S400 Triumf, Barak 8 MRSAM, and Akash successfully intercepted enemy missiles and drones. The IADWS now marks a major milestone in advancing India’s long-term defence readiness.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
