*ISLAMABAD:* India has announced the successful maiden flight tests of itsnewly developed Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), in what isbeing described as a significant milestone for the country’s defensemodernization.
According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the test was conducted on 23August 2025 at around 12:30 PM off the coast of Odisha. Sharing theannouncement on X, Singh confirmed that the IADWS had achieved itsobjectives in the maiden trials.
The IADWS is designed as a multi-layered air defence system, combiningseveral advanced technologies to counter aerial threats. It integrates thefully indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), theAdvanced Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a high-powerlaser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). Together, these components areaimed at protecting strategic assets against a wide range of threats,including drones, aircraft, and missiles.
In his message, Singh congratulated the Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO), the Indian Armed Forces, and industry partners fortheir contribution to the successful test. He said the achievementdemonstrates India’s growing ability to develop advanced defensetechnologies within the country. “This unique flight test has establishedthe multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and is going tostrengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerialthreats,” Singh stated.
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Analysts say the successful trial places India among a select group ofnations working on cutting-edge integrated air defence and directed energyweapon systems. The development is also expected to enhance India’s abilityto secure vital infrastructure and strengthen its deterrence posture in anincreasingly contested regional security environment.