India has reached a significant milestone in its defence capabilities with the successful maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). This indigenously developed system was tested on Saturday, off the coast of Odisha, and is a major step toward strengthening the nation’s defence preparedness.
The trial was announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Armed Forces, and the defence industry for this achievement. A video of the test was also posted by the DRDO on its official X account, emphasising the launch's success and importance.
In order to defend against a variety of aerial threats, this new IADWS combines three distinct state-of-the-art, domestically manufactured technologies into a multi-layered defence shield.
- QRSAM, or Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile: This missile is made to launch and engage airborne targets quickly.
- Close-range defense against low-flying threats like drones and helicopters is offered by the Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
- High-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): This futuristic technology uses a powerful laser to neutralise incoming threats, offering a precise and high-speed defense option.
Together, these systems are capable of neutralising a broad spectrum of aerial threats, from low-flying drones to high-speed enemy aircraft and missiles.
The successful test is a landmark moment in India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. According to officials, the IADWS test has "established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and are going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats."
This marks a major leap forward in securing India’s strategic assets and critical infrastructure against modern airborne adversaries.
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