NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Sunday announced it had successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), a multi-layered air defence platform. The trials were carried out on Saturday afternoon off the Odisha coast.

“Maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) were successfully conducted on August 23, 2025, at around 12:30 hrs off the coast of Odisha,” DRDO said in a post on X. According to the agency, the system integrates three indigenous components — the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), the advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).India’s layered air defence architecture has already proven its effectiveness, playing a crucial role during the conflict with Pakistan in May, when it successfully intercepted missiles and drones launched by the neighbouring country’s forces.Also Read | Operation Sindoor: ‘If Thomson don’t get ya, Lillee must,’ says DGMO on how India’s multi-layered defence system repelled Pakistan attackRajnath Singh reactsCongratulating those involved in the project, defence minister Rajnath Singh said the system would significantly enhance India’s ability to counter “enemy aerial threats.”“I congratulate DRDO, India Armed forces and Industry for successful development of IADWS. This unique flight test has established the multi-layered air-defence capability of our country and is going to strengthen area defence for important facilities against enemy aerial threats,” Singh wrote on his social media handle.