Gajendra Singh Godara
Aug 29, 2025
8
mins read
What is Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?
A multi-layered, indigenous air defence system developed by DRDO advancing ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ goals for 2035 (August 15, 2025). It aims to protect critical assets (airbases, radar stations, etc.) by neutralizing modern aerial threats – from jets and missiles down to UAVs and drone swarms.
Centralised C2:
All components (QRSAM, VSHORADS, DEW) are managed by a Centralised Command and Control Centre (C2) built by DRDL. The C2 uses real-time radar and sensor data to assign the optimal weapon to each target.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra:
IADWS is the first concrete step of Mission Sudarshan Chakra – India’s planned multi-domain defence shield by 2035. This mission envisions a layered deterrent combining air, missile, and cyber-defence.
Strategic Significance:
As per DRDO/Defence Ministry, IADWS tests “establish India’s robust multi-layered air defence capability” and underscore self-reliance in cutting-edge defence tech. It’s integrated with IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Army’s Akashteer system to form a cohesive grid.
Integrated Air Defence System Updates Latest News (2025)
India conducted maiden flight-tests of the indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast on 23 August, 2025, validating simultaneous interceptions at different ranges and altitudes.
IADWS integrates QRSAM, VSHORADS and a high‑power laser Directed Energy Weapon under a centralized Command‑and‑Control, marking an early milestone toward the multi‑layered shield envisaged under Mission Sudarshan Chakra by 2035.
Image Credit: Hindustan Times
Table of content
The IADWS uses three layers of defense, each with a specific missile type or weapon:
Layer (Component) | Description and Role | Range / Altitude | Developed by (DRDO Lab) |
Outer (QRSAM) | The QRSAM weapon ensemble consists of a fully automated command and control system, two radars — Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar — and one launcher. Both the radars have a 360-degree coverage with ‘search on move’ and ‘track on move’ capabilities. | 3–30 km (up to ~10 km altitude) | DRDO (e.g. LSP/RAC lab) |
Middle - Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) | It is a fourth-generation, technically advanced miniaturised Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD). This missile system has the capability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the Armed Forces — Army, Navy and Air Force. | 0.3–6 km (effective) | Research Centre Imarat (DRDO) |
Inner (DEW) | Directed Energy Weapon (high-power laser) to disable drones/swarms at close range. Unlimited “ammo” for cost-efficient neutralization of loitering munitions. | < 3 km (laser reach) | CHESS (Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences, DRDO) |
Each layer is tied into a common radar and sensor network under the C2 centre. Targets are tracked continuously, and the optimal weapon is automatically cued (kinetic missile or laser) based on range and speed.
Mobility & Coverage: QRSAM launchers are highly mobile (mounted on trucks) to protect moving forces, with radars providing 360° coverage VSHORADS missiles are man-portable (3rd gen+ MANPADS) covering short hops. The DEW, mounted on vehicles, fills any gaps by immediately hitting incoming micro-UAVs.
Indigenous tech: All components are indigenously developed. Notably, recent land trials of DEW MK-II demonstrated it defeating fixed-wing and swarm drones. India thus joins a select group of nations with operational anti-drone lasers.
National Security:
Protects critical infrastructure, military bases, and urban centers from modern aerial threats (jets, missiles, UAVs, swarm drones).
Enhances deterrence against hostile UAV incursions (noted in Operation Sindoor 2025).
Indigenisation (Atmanirbhar Bharat):
Developed entirely by DRDO labs (QRSAM, VSHORADS, Directed Energy Weapons).
Reduces dependency on foreign systems like S-400.
Boosts India’s defence export potential.
Technological Leap:
Integrates kinetic missiles + Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) under unified C2 – a first for India.
DEW laser adds low-cost, infinite-shot protection against drone swarms and loitering munitions.
For more information on India’s existing air-defence layers, see PadhAI’s: S-400 Missile System, Features, Range, Speed, Comparison & Operation Sindoor - PadhAI
Mission Sudarshan Chakra (2035 Goal):
IADWS is the pilot layer of India’s envisioned multi-layer Iron Dome for complete air defence by 2035.
Symbolises India’s progress toward self-reliant, next-generation defence.
Strategic Autonomy:
Strengthens India’s security posture against both state and non-state actors.
Enhances readiness for a two-front threat scenario (China & Pakistan).
Technological Hurdles:
Developing effective Directed Energy Weapons with consistent power supply, accuracy, and adverse-weather performance.
Integration of multiple radar/sensor systems into a seamless C2 framework.
Cost & Logistics:
High development and deployment costs; building nationwide coverage may strain the defence budget.
Need for mobile, rapidly deployable units for border states.
Operational Testing:
Requires extensive real-world validation against UAV swarms, cruise missiles, hypersonic vehicles.
Interoperability with IAF’s IACCS and Army’s Akashteer is still evolving.
Human Resource & Training:
Operators must be trained for C2 interface, multi-layer coordination, and DEW deployment.
Avoiding false positives and fratricide incidents is critical.
Cybersecurity Risks:
Networked C2 systems are vulnerable to cyber and electronic warfare attacks.
Ensuring secure communications and redundancy is vital.
USA:
Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD systems for missile defence.
Experimenting with HEL (High Energy Laser) systems for UAV neutralisation.
Israel:
Iron Dome successfully intercepts short-range rockets and UAVs in real combat.
Model for layered, automated interception similar to IADWS.
Russia:
S-400 and S-500 multi-layer missile defence systems.
Focus on ballistic/hypersonic missile threats.
China:
Developing HQ-9 and laser-based anti-drone systems.
Invested in swarm-drone tactics as well as counter-UAV tech.
India (IADWS Significance):
With IADWS, India joins the league of nations integrating missile + laser systems for comprehensive defence.
Distinctive because it is indigenous, unlike Israel’s or Russia’s imported models.
Q1. What is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?
Ans. The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System is a multi-tiered defence network combining QRSAMs, VSHORADS, and directed energy weapons, designed to counter varied aerial threats within a 30 km operational envelope.
Q2. What are the main components of the IADWS?
Ans. IADWS comprises Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), man-portable VSHORADS, and advanced Directed Energy Weapons, all coordinated via a unified command and control system.
Q3. What makes the IADWS important strategically?
Ans. It enhances indigenous air defence capability, decreases dependence on imported technology, fuses missiles with laser-based defences, and aligns with the objectives of Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Q4. Where has the IADWS undergone testing?|
Ans. Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, hosted the initial successful flight trials, where the system demonstrated its accuracy and prowess against a variety of airborne threats.
Q5. How did Indian air defence systems respond in the wake of Operation Sindoor?
Ans. Post-Operation Sindoor, Indian platforms like the S-400, Barak 8, Akash, and the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid effectively intercepted Pakistani drones and missiles, underlining India’s robust multi-layered air defence.
The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous air-defence architecture. By fusing missiles and lasers under unified command, IADWS bolsters protection of key assets against modern threats – especially UAVs – thereby advancing India’s strategic autonomy. For UPSC aspirants, IADWS is a must-know topic linking DRDO indigenisation (GS3), India-Pak security (GS3/GS2), and technology. With its successful tests in 2025, IADWS is on track to deliver the “Iron Dome” capabilities envisioned under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
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