DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System in Odisha

 📍 New Delhi, August 24, 2025 – In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) on Sunday, August 23, 2025, at 12:30 pm off the coast of Odisha.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this indigenously developed multi-layered air defence system is designed to safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure and facilities from enemy aerial threats.

What is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?

The IADWS is a state-of-the-art air defence system developed entirely in India. It integrates:

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAMs) – for medium-range interception

Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles – to neutralize low-flying aerial targets

Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) using high-power lasers – for futuristic, next-gen defence

This unique combination ensures multi-layered protection against drones, fighter jets, missiles, and other hostile aerial platforms.

Rajnath Singh Lauds DRDO’s Achievement

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO scientists and the Indian Armed Forces, calling it a landmark step in India’s defence preparedness.

> “This unique flight test has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and is going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats,”

Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

Why This Matters

1. Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) – The system is fully indigenous, reducing dependency on foreign defence imports.

2. Enhanced National Security – Provides multi-layered shield for critical assets like cities, nuclear plants, military bases, and strategic installations.

3. Technological Milestone – India joins a select group of nations with advanced air defence and laser-based directed energy weapons.

India’s Expanding Defence Capabilities

This achievement comes at a time when India is rapidly modernizing its military to counter emerging aerial threats from hostile nations. With IADWS, India now strengthens its p

lace among global leaders in air defence technology.

🔗 Stay updated with the latest Defence & Geopolitics news only on The Bharat Brief