The integrated operation of the weapon system components in IADWS is controlled by a centralised command and control centre
Sudarshan Chakra Completes Successful Maiden Test
India has successfully tested a new integrated air defence system consisting of a variety of weapons that shot down three targets at different altitudes and ranges off the coast of Odisha, the defence ministry said on Sunday.
The maiden test of the integrated air defence weapon system (IADWS), which is expected to be a part of the bigger national security shield announced by the PM, was conducted by the DRDO.
The IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system consisting of quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM), very short range air defence system (VSHORADS) and a laser-based directed energy weapon.
“During the flight-tests, three different targets including two high-speed fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle targets and a multi-copter drone were simultaneously engaged and destroyed completely by the QRSAM, VSHORADS and the high-energy laser weapon system at different ranges and altitudes,” the defence ministry said.
The weapon system components, including the missile systems, drone detection and destruction system, and command and control systems along with communication and radars performed flawlessly as confirmed by range instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur to capture the flight data, it added in a statement.
In April, India tested a locally produced laser weapon and demonstrated its capability to knock out fixed wing drones at long range, swarm drones, and surveillance equipment, entering an exclusive league of countries that possess such technology. The few countries that have mastered this technology to disable missiles, drones and smaller projectiles include the US, Russia, China, the UK, Germany and Israel.
