India Trials Unproven Homegrown Integrated Air Defence.

India has made an all-indigenous success with the first test of an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The system will identify and counter enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles at a range of up to 35 km, which will become a significant milestone in the layered air defence of India.

Features of IADWS

The IADWS is a 3 layered shield that includes:

• QR-SAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile) with a 30 km range.
• VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) with a 6 km range.
• Laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) effective up to 4 km.

DRDL has developed a Centralised Command and Control Centre that allows simultaneous interaction of multiple aerial targets in the form of high-speed drones and UAVs.

Technological Development

Its integration incorporates technologies developed in several DRDO laboratories, and it was decades since the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The labs of the missile cluster in Hyderabad ASK, RCI, DRDL, and TBRL have brought on board expertise in propulsion, guidance and warheads. The new area of AI and quantum computing is also under investigation.

Collaboration and Comparisons

DRDO is engaged in partnering with commercial companies such as CUMI in the development of more complex components such as ceramic radomes and investigates international co-operations, such as with Israel, to develop layered defences akin to the Iron Dome. The Iron Dome, David Sling and Arrow-3 of Israel provide a standard in integrated air defence systems around the world.

Strategic Importance

The IADWS enhances the self-sufficiency of defence in India such that the country does not need imports. Its multi target engagement potential increases the preparedness of battleplaces and offers multi layered defence against airborne assaults, placing India at a step nearer to sophisticated international standards in missile defence.