Air Defense System / DRDO developed indigenous air defense system, first test of IADWS successful off Odisha coast

Air Defense System: The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the first successful test of the Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on 23 August 2025. The test was conducted at around 12:30 pm, in which the missiles successfully destroyed their targets in the air. The system is completely indigenous and consists of three types of advanced missiles:

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM): This missile is designed for quick reaction and is capable of rapidly destroying aerial threats.

Advanced Very Short Range Air Defense System (VSHORADS): This system is effective for destroying near-range threats, such as drones and helicopters.

High Power Laser Based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): This cutting-edge technology destroys targets using energy-based weapons.

This multi-layered system takes Indian defence capabilities to new heights and has been developed specifically keeping in mind the threats emanating from neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan and China.

Strengths of Indian Air Defence System

India's air defence system is one of the most advanced and robust systems in the world. It is capable of dealing with aerial threats such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter jets, drones, and helicopters. This multi-layered system is based on an integrated network of advanced radars, missile systems, and command-and-control centres, making it extremely effective.

Major Air Defence Systems

1. S-400 Defence System

• Acquired from Russia, this system is a vital part of India's defence power. India purchased five squadrons under a deal worth Rs 35,000 crore in 2018. Its features:
• Range: Ability to destroy targets up to 400 km.
• Tracking: Ability to detect targets up to 600 km and track 80 targets simultaneously.
• Attack: Can target 36 targets simultaneously.
• Deployment: Deployed in Punjab, Rajasthan and other border areas to counter threats from Pakistan and China.

2. Akash Missile System

• Indigenously developed by DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Limited, this system is equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles. Features:
• Range: Akash Next Generation has a range of 70-80 km, which can track more than 60 targets up to 150 km.
• Capacity: One battery can track 64 targets and attack 12.
• Targets: Fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

3. Barak-8

• Jointly developed by India and Israel, this system is important for both the Navy and the Army. Features:
• Range: 70-100 km, ability to destroy targets up to an altitude of 16 km.
• Capability: Can fire 24 missiles at 16 targets simultaneously.
• Deployment: Deployed at strategic locations like Bhatinda.

4. Ballistic Missile Defence System

This system is capable of destroying ballistic missiles at an altitude of 80 km outside the atmosphere. It has a range of up to 2000 km, making it effective in dealing with long-range threats.