India successfully tests Integrated Air Defence Weapon System off Odisha coast

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhubaneswar, Aug 24, 2025: Days after the successful trial of Agni-V, India achieved another milestone on Saturday by conducting the maiden flight test of the indigenously developed Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast.

The advanced multi-layered defence system marks a significant boost to India’s ability to counter diverse aerial threats and reinforces the nation’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology.

During the trial, three aerial targets — two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs and a multi-copter drone — were simultaneously engaged and neutralised by the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a High Energy Laser weapon system at varying ranges and altitudes.

All components, including missile systems, drone detection and neutralisation technologies, command-and-control systems, radars and communication equipment, performed flawlessly.

The IADWS comprises indigenous QRSAMs, VSHORAD missiles and a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), developed by the Research Centre Imarat and the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement, saying the test validated India’s multi-layered air defence capability and would enhance protection of vital installations against enemy aerial threats.