WATCH: India successfully tests indigenous integrated air defence weapon system off Odisha coast

India on Saturday (August 23) successfully carried out the maiden flight tests of its indigenously developed Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), marking a major step in strengthening the country’s defence preparedness, officials said. The test was conducted off the coast of Odisha around 12:30 pm.

The development comes months after Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which briefly escalated tensions with Pakistan. During that period, Pakistani forces launched multiple drone strikes on Indian border cities, followed by missile attacks that were later intercepted by India’s defence systems.

The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha.

IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air… pic.twitter.com/TCfTJ4SfSS

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2025

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the achievement on X, stating: “The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha. I congratulate DRDO, India Armed Forces and Industry for successful development of IADWS.”

Maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) was successfully conducted on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha.

IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM),… pic.twitter.com/Jp3v1vEtJp

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) August 24, 2025

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also released a video of the trial on X. “Maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) was successfully conducted on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha. IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high power laser based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW),” the post said.

Designed as a layered shield, the IADWS integrates three cutting-edge indigenous technologies — QRSAM, VSHORADS missiles and a high-power laser-based DEW. Together, they are capable of countering a wide spectrum of aerial threats, ranging from low-flying drones to high-speed aircraft and missiles.

Officials hailed the trial as a landmark in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. Singh said the tests had “established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and are going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats.”