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Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

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August 28, 2025

Prelims – Current events of national and international importance | Science and technology

Why in News?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently said that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the first flight-tests of an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS).

  • IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system and it is a combination of elements organised to minimise threats emerging from the air.
  • Functions - Air surveillance, Battle management, and Weapons control.
  • Developed by - Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Components
    • Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM),
    • The advanced Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, 
    • High-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM)
  • QRSAM is a short-range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system.
  • Primarily designed to provide a protective shield to moving armoured columns of the Army from enemy aerial attacks.
  • It has search and track capability and can fire on short halts.
  • The system has an operation range of 3 to 30 kilometers.

Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) Missiles
  • VSHORADS is a fourth-generation, technically advanced miniaturised Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD).
  • The weapon system can neutralise targets between the range of 300 meters and 6 kilometers, including drones and other classes of aerial threats.

High-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)
  • It is a high-power laser system.
  • DEWs can be used for various purposes, including drone defence systems, missile defence, and disabling enemy electronics.
  • DEW is said to have a range of less than three kilometers.
  • The integrated operation of all these weapon system components is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre.
  • Significance - The IADWS ensures that all types of aerial threats can be countered.

Reference

The Indian Express | IADWS
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