India successfully tests maiden flight of Integrated Air Defence Weapon system. Watch

The system is designed as a multi-layered defence shield, combining three cutting-edge indigenous technologies.

Updated on: Aug 24, 2025, 13:54:14 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

India has successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of its indigenously developed Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s defence preparedness, officials said. The test was carried out off the coast of Odisha at around 12.30 pm on August 23, 2025.

The air-defence system has been developed by the DRDO, announced Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the achievement in a post on X, stating, “The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha. I congratulate DRDO, India Armed Forces and Industry for successful development of IADWS.”

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also shared a video of the successful test on X. In its post, the organisation wrote, “Maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) was successfully conducted on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha. IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high power laser based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).”

The IADWS is designed as a multi-layered defence shield, combining three cutting-edge indigenous technologies: the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), the Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). Together, these systems are capable of neutralising a wide spectrum of aerial threats, ranging from low-flying drones to high-speed enemy aircraft and missiles.

Officials described the successful trial as a landmark in India’s efforts towards self-reliance in defence technology. Singh noted that the tests have “established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and are going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Quick Reaction Surface-to-air Missile

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.