New Delhi, August 24: The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully completed the first test of the Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS). This test was conducted on the sea coast of Odisha at around 12:30 am on August 23. It is a multi-layered air defense system, which includes all indigenous quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM), advanced very short range air defense system missiles and laser-based directed energy weapons including a high power.
According to DRDO, all weapon system components are controlled by the centralized command and control center of the Integrated Operation Defense Research and Development Laboratory, which is the nodal laboratory for the development program associated with this test. VSHORADs has been developed by Research Center Imarat and DEW by Center for High Energy Systems and Sciences.
During the flight tests, three different targets including two high speed fixed wing unmanned aerial targets and a multi-copter drone were simultaneously engaged by QRSAM, VSHORADs and high energy laser weapon system at different ranges and altitudes and were completely destroyed.
According to DRDO all weapon system components including missile system and drone detection and destruction system, weapon system command and control as well as communication and radar performed flawlessly, which was confirmed by the range equipment deployed at the Integrated Test Range to capture flight data. The test was observed by senior DRDO scientists and representatives of the armed forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, armed forces and defence industry for this successful test. He said that this unique flight test has established the country’s multi-layered air defence capability and it will strengthen the regional defence ring to counter enemy air threats.
Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman, DRDO, Dr Sameer V. Kamat also congratulated all the teams involved in the successful flight tests