DRDO Demonstrates Maiden Flight of Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

The Defence ministry on Sunday, tested a New Integrated Air defense system. The newly tested defense system used a variety of weapons. These weapons shot down three different targets at different altitudes and ranges off from the coast of Odisha. 

The system is tested a couple of days after PM Modi’s Independence Day speech. During the speech from the Ramparts of Red Fort, he made a declaration. He stated that India should have its own Indigenous Air Defence weapon system intact by 2035. The Defence system was aimed to be made under Mission Sudarshana Chakra taking inspiration from Mahabharata Lord Krishna’s weapon.

Also read: Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India’s Multi-Layered Air & Missile Defence Shield with Integrated Offensive Capability

IADWS, a multi-layered defence system

The maiden test of the Integrated Air defence weapon system was conducted by Defense research and Development organisation on Saturday. This system is considered to be the biggest part of national security shield announced by PM Modi.

The IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system. It consists of quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM) and a very short-range air defence system (VSHORADS). Additionally, it includes a laser-based directed energy weapon.

“During the flight-tests, three different targets were engaged. These included two high-speed fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle targets and a multi-copter drone. They were destroyed completely by the QRSAM, VSHORADS, and the high-energy laser weapon system. This occurred at different ranges and altitudes,” the defence ministry said.

The IADWS components performed flawlessly. This includes the missile systems, drone detection and destruction system, command and control systems, communication, and radars. This performance was confirmed by range instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, to capture the flight data. It added this information in a statement.

Testing of Indigenous Weapons

In April, India tested a domestically produced laser weapon. After successful testing, India demonstrated its capability to knock out fixed wing drones at long range. It also proved effective against swarm drones and surveillance equipment. This added India into the list of very few countries in the world who possess this rare technology. The US, Russia, China, the UK, Germany, and Israel are among the few nations. They have mastered the technology of disabling missiles, drones, and smaller projectiles.

A centralised command and control centre controls the integrated operation of the weapon system components in IADWS. Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, developed this centre.

This unique flight test has established our country’s multi-layered air-defence capability. It is going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats,” defence minister Rajnath Singh said.

PM Modi and Sudarshana Chakra

From the Ramparts of Red fort, PM Modi on his Independence Day speech set a target for India. He aims for the country to have its indigenously made Air defence system by 2035. He mentioned of the launch of the mission Sudarshana chakra.

PM Modi remarked that Sudarshana Chakra will be a powerful Air weapon system. It will neutralise the enemy’s attack. It will also deliver a big blow back to the enemy, with much higher intensity.

“In the next 10 years, by 2035, I want to expand, strengthen and modernise this national security shield. Modi recounted the role of the weapon in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He said, “Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna, we have chosen the path of Sudarshan Chakra.”

The locally developed air defence control and reporting system is called Akashteer. It emerged as the centrepiece of India’s air defence grid during Operation Sindoor. This was New Delhi’s direct military action against Pakistan. The operation followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike in which 26 people were killed.

Indian Might showcased in Operation Sindoor

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in early morning of the day and stormed several terror infrastructures on Pak’s soil. India destroyed around 13 Pakistani Air bases, killed around 100 terrorists and damaged Pakistani military infrastructure. During the operation, Akashteer played a pivotal role. It promptly detected the aerial attack targets. It hit back the target with accuracy. 

The agile system is an integral part of the Indian military’s multi-layered air defence grid. It played a vital role in detecting, identifying, tracking, and engaging Pakistani missiles and drones. This occurred during the four-day clash that stoked fears of a full-blown shooting war. It connected to the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This system serves as the beating heart of the military’s resilient, four-tiered air defence shield.

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