In News:

India has successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha, marking a major milestone under Project Sudarshan Chakra. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the system represents a significant advancement in the country’s ability to defend critical assets against evolving aerial threats.

What is IADWS?

The IADWS is a multi-layered, network-centric air defence architecture that integrates:

• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)
• Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
• Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) (high-power laser)

Together, these components form a composite shield capable of engaging a wide spectrum of threats—from high-speed aircraft and cruise missiles to drones, swarm UAVs, and loitering munitions.

Key Features

• Centralised Command & Control Centre (C2C2): Integrates radar and electro-optical sensor data to generate a real-time aerial picture. Based on parameters like speed, altitude, and trajectory, threats are assigned to the most effective weapon.
• Multi-layered Defence:
  • QRSAM (outer layer): Intercepts fighter aircraft, helicopters, and standoff precision weapons (cruise missiles, glide bombs) at 25–30 km range and up to 10 km altitude. Highly mobile with short reaction times.
  • VSHORADS (middle layer): Infrared seeker-based shoulder-fired missiles to neutralise low-flying UAVs and helicopters within 6 km range and up to 4 km altitude.
  • Directed Energy Weapon (inner layer): A DRDO-developed laser system capable of disabling drones and loitering munitions at close range. Offers virtually unlimited firing capacity, making it cost-effective and sustainable.
• Simultaneous Target Engagement: During trials, IADWS successfully intercepted three different aerial targets (two fixed-wing UAVs and a multi-copter drone) in real time.
• Mobility & Flexibility: Mounted on high-mobility launchers, the system can be rapidly deployed in forward areas.

Strategic Importance

IADWS strengthens India’s area defence capability by providing a layered shield for:

• Forward air bases and command centres
• Radar and missile installations
• Nuclear and space assets
• Power plants and critical industrial hubs

By combining kinetic (missiles) and non-kinetic (lasers) weapons under a unified command structure, India has taken a major step toward countering both conventional and asymmetric aerial threats.

Significance for India’s Defence Preparedness

• Enhances self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat in advanced defence technologies.
• Strengthens India’s deterrence against hostile air campaigns, drone swarms, and precision strikes.
• Positions India among a select group of nations with multi-layered integrated air defence systems.