India successfully tests multi-layered defence system strengthening air shield

New Delhi: India has successfully tested a multi-layered air defence system boosting the country’s defence capabilities in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, according to India Today.

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) comes with indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

Following the test of the defence system on Saturday off the coast of Odisha, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said ‘I congratulate DRDO, India Armed forces and Industry for the 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’.

The testing comes days after PM Modi announced on Independence Day of the missile defence system, called 'Sudarshan Chakra’ saying ‘By 2035, I want to expand, strengthen, and modernise this shield’, which he said should be entirely ‘researched, developed, and manufactured in India’.

It is reported that 'multi-layered framework', which will be developed integrating advanced surveillance, cybersecurity, and physical safeguard, is aimed at protecting ‘citizens and infrastructure’ from enemy attacks.

The successful test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) points to India’s capabilities in developing multi-layered air defence system.