• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of an integrated air defence weapon system (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on August 23.

• The IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system consisting of indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles and a high power laser-based Directed-Energy Weapons (DEW) system.

• Integrated operation of all the weapon system components is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory being the nodal laboratory of the programme. 

• VSHORADS and DEW are developed by Research Centre Imarat & Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences respectively.

• This 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 VSHORADS and DEW are developed by Research Centre Imarat and Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences respectively.

• During the flight-tests, three different targets, including two high-speed fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle targets and a multi-copter drone were simultaneously engaged and destroyed completely by the QRSAM, VSHORADS and high energy laser weapon system at different ranges and altitudes.

• All the weapon system components, including the missile systems and drone detection and destruction system, command and control mechanism along with communication and radars, performed flawlessly.

• The performance of the system was confirmed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)