The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight-tests of the Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast.

• The tests mark a decisive step toward India’s self-reliant, multi-layered defence shield, part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Modi on Independence Day.

About Mission Sudarshan Chakra

• Objective: Develop an indigenous air defence system by 2035 to neutralize enemy attacks and retaliate effectively.
• Coverage: Strategic and civilian areas including hospitals, railways, faith centres, and other critical infrastructure.
• Inspiration: Named after Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, symbolizing a protective shield.
• Timeline: Complete operational capability aimed within 10 years (by 2035).

What is IADWS?

• An indigenous multi-layered air defence system.
• Comprises:
• • Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM).
  • Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
  • High-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
• Controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
• All components performed flawlessly during trials, confirmed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

Strategic Significance of IADWS

• Coverage: Covers aerial threat neutralisation within a 30 km envelope, from high-speed to low-speed, fixed-wing to rotary-wing aircraft and drones.
• Indigenous system: Represents a fully indigenous system – command and control + weapons.
  • Seen as a strategic asset that strengthens India’s defensive shield.
• Future Scope: The maiden test at lower ranges is viewed as a stepping stone towards Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a future comprehensive national defence shield.

Working Mechanism of Air Defence Systems 

• Detection: Radar transmits electromagnetic waves which reflect off aerial objects, helping identify and locate them.

• Tracking: Continuous monitoring through radars and sensors determines the target’s speed, altitude, and direction.
• Interception: The system launches interceptors (SAMs or fighter aircraft) to neutralise the threat based on real-time guidance from command centres.
• Command, Control, and Communication (C3): Seamless coordination ensures rapid decision-making and response to evolving threats.

Key Components of Air Defence

• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs): These are ground-based missile systems capable of engaging targets at varying altitudes and ranges. They form the backbone of air defence.
• Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA): Short-range guns used as a last line of defence, effective against UAVs and low-flying aircraft.
• Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems: Disrupt, deceive, or disable enemy detection and communication systems using electromagnetic radiation.

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