New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on August 23, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM.
IADWS is a state-of-the-art, multi-layered air defence solution entirely developed with indigenous technologies. It integrates the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-powered laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
The system’s centralized command and control centre, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), ensures seamless coordination of all components. The VSHORADS and DEW systems have been developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), respectively.
During the test, the IADWS successfully engaged and neutralized three different aerial targets – two high-speed fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and a multi-copter drone – using QRSAM, VSHORADS, and the DEW system at various altitudes and ranges. The flight test validated the performance of all key subsystems including missile guidance, radar tracking, communication links, and drone detection and neutralization systems. Performance was confirmed through data captured by instruments at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO, Indian Armed Forces, and industry partners for the successful development and demonstration of IADWS. He emphasized that the achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s defence preparedness by establishing an effective, multi-tiered air defence capability to protect critical assets from aerial threats.
In a post on social media platform X, the Defence Minister stated:
“The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), 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), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high power laser based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).”
“I congratulate DRDO, India Armed Forces, and Industry for the successful development of IADWS. 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.”
DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also congratulated all the teams involved in the successful trials.
