DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight-Tests of IADWS

On 23rd August 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast.

Key Points

System Components: IADWS integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
Command & Control: Operations are managed by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL).
Development Agencies:
- VSHORADS: Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
- DEW: Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS)
Test Results: The system engaged and destroyed three targets simultaneously—two high-speed UAVs and one multi-copter drone—at varying ranges and altitudes.
Supporting Systems: Advanced radars, communication networks, and drone detection/destruction mechanisms functioned seamlessly; data validated by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.