New Delhi, August 25, 2025: In a moment of national pride and technological prowess, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the much-anticipated maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at around 12:30 PM.

A Shield in the Skies: What the IADWS Entails

The IADWS, nicknamed the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ in certain circles is a ground-breaking, multi-layered air defence platform that represents a landmark in India’s journey toward self-reliant defence capabilities.

Built wholly with indigenous components, IADWS combines three sophisticated systems:

1.Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) Designed for medium-range interception with remarkable accuracy.

2.Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) Tailored for close-range threats such as drones and low-flying aircraft.

3.High-Power Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) A cutting-edge, non-kinetic layer for rapid neutralization of aerial targets.

This comprehensive system is orchestrated by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory, ensuring seamless integration and coordination among the three layers.

On the Day of the Test: Precision in Action

Held at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, the test saw the IADWS simultaneously engage three distinct aerial threats, two high‑speed fixed-wing UAVs and a multi-copter drone. The QRSAM, VSHORADS, and the high-energy laser each intercepted and destroyed their respective targets at varying ranges and altitudes, with flawless performance across the board.

The test was monitored by senior DRDO scientists and top military officials, and the range instrumentation captured and confirmed the precise data of each engagement.

Voices of Triumph: Leadership Acknowledges the Feat

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh personally extended his congratulations to the DRDO, Indian Armed Forces, and defence industry partners. He highlighted that this achievement establishes the nation’s capacity for layered, indigenous air defence to safeguard strategic assets from aerial threats.

Likewise, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary (Defence R&D) and Chairman of DRDO, lauded the teams involved, recognizing their tireless efforts in turning this vision into reality.

Why It Matters: A Game-Changer for National Security

This milestone is not just a demonstration of technological brilliance, it’s a symbol of India’s growing self‑reliance in defence. The indigenous fusion of missile systems with an advanced directed energy layer reflects a strategic commitment to developing multi‑tiered defence solutions capable of countering modern aerial threats.

From drones to high-altitude intrusions, the IADWS is poised to become a backbone of air defence across critical zones and sensitive installations. Moreover, it elevates India's standing on the global stage as a nation innovating at the cutting edge of air defence technology.