In a major boost to India’s defence preparedness, 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.

The IADWS is an advanced multi-layered air defence system, featuring 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). Together, these platforms are designed to intercept and neutralise a wide spectrum of aerial threats — including drones, missiles, micro-UAVs, and loitering munitions.

The successful tests come just three-and-a-half months after ‘Operation Sindoor’, where India’s air defence capabilities demonstrated their effectiveness in real combat-like scenarios.

India’s Current Air Defence Systems:

India already operates a diverse and robust arsenal of air defence systems, including:

• S-400 Triumf (Russian-made, long-range surface-to-air missile system)

• Akash Air Defence System (indigenous medium-range SAM)

• SPYDER Air Defence System (Israeli quick-reaction SAM)

• Barak-8 / MRSAM (India-Israel joint development, medium to long range)

• Igla-S MANPADS (Russian short-range portable system)

• 9K33 Osa AK (short-range system)

• 2K12 Kub (medium-range Soviet-origin system)

• QRSAM (indigenously developed quick-reaction SAM currently under induction)

With the addition of IADWS, India is poised to significantly enhance its layered defence shield, aligning with the country’s long-term goal of self-reliance and technological dominance in defence manufacturing.