The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone on August 23, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., conducting the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the success, describing the IADWS as fully indigenous, embodying a multi-layered air defence architecture. It integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), all merged with indigenous radar, targeting, guidance, and command-and-control systems.
He lauded the Defence Establishment, including DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the defence industry, for this achievement, stating: “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.”
This development follows closely behind another key test: on August 20, 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from Chandipur, Odisha. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters, and an upgraded version with an extended range of up to 7,500 km is reportedly under development.
