Why in the news?

  •  The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the first flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

  • What is it? : An indigenous multi-layered air defence system designed to neutralise aerial threats within 30 km range.
  • Components:
    • Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)
      • Purpose: To provide air-defence cover to moving armoured formations against aircraft, helicopters, UAVs.
      • Range: 3 – 30 km.
      • Features:
        • Fully automated C2 system.
        • Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar & Multifunction Radar (360° coverage).
        • Capable of “search on move” & “track on move”.
        • Mounted on highly mobile platforms.
    • Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
      • Type: 4th-generation MANPAD (Man-Portable Air Defence).
      • Range: 300 m – 6 km.
      • Targets: Drones, helicopters, low-flying aircraft.
      • Advantage: Compact, deployable across Army, Navy, Air Force.
    • Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)
      • System: Vehicle-mounted Laser DEW Mk-II(A).
      • Range: < 3 km.
      • Capabilities: Neutralises UAVs, swarm drones, disables sensors by burning through structure/electronics.
  • Strategic Significance
    • Layered Defence: Neutralises threats from long-range to very close aerial targets (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, drones).
    • Indigenisation: Entire system developed within DRDO labs – reducing dependence on imports.
    • Rapid Response: Enables “shoot-on-move” and integration of kinetic (missiles) & non-kinetic (laser) weapons.
    • Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Seen as the first step towards creating a comprehensive indigenous air defence shield (announced by PM Modi in Independence Day 2025 speech).
    • Geopolitical Edge: Enhances deterrence, supports India’s strategic autonomy, and boosts export potential.