India Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System Off Odisha Coast

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) on Saturday, August 23, off the coast of Odisha.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the achievement on Sunday.

Rajnath Singh Hails Air Defence Weapon System

Sharing the news on X, Rajnath Singh said the IADWS is a multi-layered indigenous air defence system that integrates Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

He congratulated the DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the defence industry, noting that the test has strengthened India’s air defence capabilities against enemy aerial threats.

The IADWS is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats. It combines radar, launchers, targeting and guidance systems, missiles, and command-and-control units to provide comprehensive air defence coverage.

Unlike imported systems, the IADWS is fully indigenous, integrating multiple defence layers to protect strategic facilities.

The successful trial follows another milestone in India’s missile programme. On August 20, DRDO test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the launch, conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters.

India Expands Missile Capabilities

The Agni-5, a variant of India’s indigenously developed intercontinental ballistic missile, traditionally carries a strike range of over 5,000 km. Defence officials revealed that an upgraded version with an extended range of up to 7,500 km is currently in development.

With these back-to-back successful tests, India has once again demonstrated its growing defence capabilities and its ability to indigenously design and develop advanced weapon systems, bolstering national security.

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