Source: TP
Context: India successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.
About Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS):
- What it is?
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- A multi-layered, network-centric air defence system developed by DRDO under Project Sudarshan Chakra.
- Integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) into a unified command system.
- Developed by: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Aim:
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- To provide comprehensive protection for military and national assets (airbases, radar sites, command centres, nuclear and space installations, power plants).
- To counter modern aerial threats – from high-speed aircraft and cruise missiles to drones, swarm UAVs, and loitering munitions.
- How it Works?
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- Centralised Command & Control Centre (C2C2): Integrates radar + electro-optical sensor feeds to generate a real-time air picture.
- Threat Allocation: Based on target speed, altitude, and trajectory, C2C2 assigns the most effective weapon.
- QRSAM (outer layer): Engages fast jets, helicopters, and cruise missiles at 25–30 km range, ~10 km altitude.
- VSHORADS (middle layer): Infrared-seeker based, effective against low-flying UAVs/helis within 6 km range, 4 km altitude.
- Directed Energy Weapon (inner layer): High-power laser neutralises drones and loitering munitions at close range; cost-effective with unlimited firing capacity.
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- Indigenous design with advanced radars, sensors, and communication systems.
- Multi-layered shield combining kinetic interceptors (missiles) and non-kinetic weapons (laser).
- Real-time coordination ensures simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets.
- Rapid reaction & mobility for deployment in forward areas.
- Area Defence for high-value facilities against diverse aerial threats.
