India successfully conducts maiden flight test of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System off Odisha coast

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Saturday successfully carried out the first flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha at around 12:30 pm.

The IADWS is an advanced, multi-layered air defence system developed indigenously. It integrates the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), the Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

Officials said the successful test has demonstrated India’s growing capability in developing next-generation air defence technologies. The system is designed to provide comprehensive area defence for critical facilities against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including hostile aircraft, drones, and missiles.

Congratulating DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry partners, officials noted that the achievement marks a major milestone in strengthening India’s air defence preparedness and self-reliance in advanced weapon systems.

Taking to his X handle (formerly Twitter), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the India Armed Forces and the Industry for the successful development of IADWS.

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.

IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air… pic.twitter.com/TCfTJ4SfSS

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2025

“I congratulate DRDO, the India Armed Forces and the Industry for the successful development of IADWS. This unique flight test has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and is going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats,” Singh wrote.