India successfully completed the first flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the developers of IADWS, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the armed forces for the flight tests. The indigenous air defence system was flight tested off the Odisha coast. The flight test of the new air defence system has taken place three and a half months after Operation Sindoor. IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system which includes all indigenous quick reaction surface-to-air missiles, very short range air defence system (VSHORADs) missiles and high power laser based directed energy weapon (DEW) systems. DRDO chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat praised the teams for successfully conducting advanced weapon flight-tests. In the trials, three different targets including two high-speed UAVs and a multi-copter drone were tracked and destroyed using QRSAM, VSHORADS, and a High Energy Laser system. These were hit at varied ranges and altitudes, showcasing precision and reliability. All weapon components missiles, drone detection systems, command control, communication, and radars functioned perfectly. The Integrated Test Range at Chandipur confirmed results through detailed flight data. Senior DRDO scientists and Armed Forces representatives observed the successful demonstration, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities.
