India’s Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System
India recently conducted the maiden flight test of its all-indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. This new system is designed to detect and destroy enemy aircraft, drones and missiles at ranges up to 35 km. The test demonstrated India’s growing capability in layered air defence technology and system integration.
Integrated Air Defence Weapon System
The IADWS is a three-layered defence system. It includes:
- Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) with a 30 km range
- Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) with a 6 km range
- A laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) effective up to 4 km.
All components are controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). The system can simultaneously engage multiple aerial targets like high-speed drones and multi-copter UAVs.
Technological Integration and Development
The IADWS combines technologies developed in different DRDO labs. This integration builds on decades of work starting with the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) initiated in 1983. The IGMDP created specialised laboratories focusing on missile propulsion, guidance, control, and warheads. These labs developed key missile systems like Agni and Prithvi, which form the backbone of India’s strategic deterrent.
DRDO’s Missile Clusters and Laboratories
The missile cluster in Hyderabad includes five labs dedicated to various missile technologies. The Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) focuses on rockets and ballistic missiles. The Research Centre Imarat (RCI) works on navigation, guidance, and control systems. The Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory handles warhead design. The DRDL focuses on tactical missiles like Trishul, Akash and Nag. These labs also explore emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing through the DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory.
Public-Private and International Collaboration
DRDO is collaborating with private firms like Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) to produce advanced defence components such as ceramic radomes. These radomes protect missile tips from extreme heat during flight. International partnerships are also pursued. For example, India is exploring joint development with Israel for layered air defence systems similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. Such cooperation aims to counter combined aerial threats from adversaries.
Comparison with Global Systems
Israel’s multi-layered air defence includes Iron Dome for short-range threats, David’s Sling for medium-range and Arrow 3 for long-range ballistic missile interception. The Iron Dome uses radar and fast interceptor missiles to neutralise incoming threats within seconds. India’s IADWS aims to develop similar capabilities indigenously. Cost efficiency and integration of components are key challenges in such systems worldwide.
Strategic Importance
The IADWS enhances India’s air defence by providing a layered shield against diverse aerial threats. It reduces dependency on foreign technology and strengthens self-reliance in defence. The system’s ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously improves battlefield readiness. With ongoing development and collaborations, India is moving towards advanced integrated missile defence solutions.
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