Introduction – Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

On August 23, 2025, India achieved a landmark defense milestone with the successful maiden flight tests of its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. Announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the test demonstrated a fully indigenous, multi-layered air defence shield—integrating Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

This comprehensive system highlights India’s growing technological prowess and the nation’s shift from importing defense systems to achieving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in critical security domains. For aspirants preparing for UPSC and JKAS, this event offers rich analytical insights—spanning strategic autonomy, defense innovation, and its relevance across Prelims, Mains, and Essay papers.

Background of India’s Air Defence Capabilities

India’s journey in developing air defence systems has been a gradual but determined effort, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign imports while strengthening national security.

Early Dependence on Imported Systems

For decades, India relied heavily on imported air defence equipment. The acquisition of Russian-origin systems like S-75 Dvina, S-125 Pechora, and later the S-400 Triumf provided India with credible deterrence against aerial threats. However, such imports created long-term challenges of dependency, high costs, and limited self-reliance.

Indigenous Efforts by DRDO

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has played a key role in transforming India into a nation capable of producing homegrown air defence technology. Over the past two decades, DRDO has successfully developed:

• Akash Missile System – India’s first indigenously developed medium-range surface-to-air missile.
• QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile) – Designed to provide mobile air defence for mechanized formations.
• VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) – A man-portable missile system capable of engaging low-altitude aerial threats.
• Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme – Two-tier shield against incoming ballistic missiles.

“According to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the IADWS integrates QRSAM, VSHORADS, and Directed Energy Weapons into a unified platform.” → Link

Shift Towards Integrated Air Defence

Earlier systems were largely standalone, operating in isolation. The need of the hour was an integrated platform—capable of combining radar systems, missiles, and directed-energy weapons into a single cohesive architecture. The successful maiden flight of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) now represents this long-awaited leap.

Why This Matters for India

• Strengthens multi-layered defence against drones, aircraft, and missile threats.
• Reduces import dependency, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
• Positions India as a serious global player in advanced defence technology.
• Enhances India’s credibility in the global arms export market.

What is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is India’s first indigenously developed, multi-layered air defence shield designed to protect the nation against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including drones, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.

A Multi-Layered Defence Architecture

IADWS is not a single weapon but an integrated platform that combines multiple defence systems into one cohesive unit. Its strength lies in layering different technologies together to form a 360-degree defence network.

The system integrates:

• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM): Designed for engaging enemy aircraft and drones at medium ranges while on the move.
• Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS): A shoulder-fired missile system effective against low-flying aerial threats.
• Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): A laser-based system for neutralizing small drones and precision targets with pinpoint accuracy.
• Radar & Command Systems: Advanced radar networks and real-time command systems to detect, track, and engage multiple targets simultaneously.

Unique Features of IADWS

• Indigenous Development: Fully developed by India’s DRDO and partner defence agencies, marking a step toward self-reliance.
• Scalability: Can be deployed for the protection of both strategic assets (like nuclear installations) and battlefield formations.
• Mobility: Systems like QRSAM are mounted on mobile platforms, ensuring protection for moving military convoys.
• Layered Protection: By integrating short-range, medium-range, and directed-energy systems, IADWS ensures no single threat can bypass defences.

Strategic Relevance

The successful test of IADWS is a game-changer for India’s security. It not only strengthens national defence but also reduces dependence on foreign systems like the Russian S-400 or Israeli SPYDER. With IADWS, India moves closer to having a fully indigenous integrated air defence capability, enhancing both strategic autonomy and deterrence posture.

Key Features and Components of IADWS

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is a cutting-edge system designed to provide multi-tier protection against aerial threats. Its strength lies in combining several advanced technologies into one integrated platform.

1. Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)

• Range: Around 25–30 km.
• Purpose: Designed to protect mechanized formations (like tanks and infantry convoys) from aerial attacks.
• Key Features:
  • Mounted on mobile launchers, enabling fast deployment.
  • Can engage multiple targets simultaneously.
  • Equipped with active radar guidance for high accuracy.
• Relevance: Provides India with a mobile, battlefield-ready air defence solution.

2. Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• Range: Around 6 km.
• Purpose: To neutralize low-altitude aerial threats such as helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft.
• Key Features:
  • Man-portable missile system (MPMS) — can be operated by individual soldiers.
  • Infrared homing technology for target tracking.
  • Lightweight and effective in mountainous terrains like Ladakh and Kashmir.
• Relevance: A strong counter to drone warfare and low-level threats.

3. Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

• Type: Laser-based defence system.
• Purpose: To disable or destroy enemy drones, small aircraft, and precision-guided munitions using high-energy lasers.
• Key Features:
  • Offers pinpoint accuracy without physical projectiles.
  • Cost-effective as it avoids repeated missile launches.
  • Can operate silently with minimal logistics.
• Relevance: A futuristic technology that strengthens India’s position in next-generation warfare.

4. Radar and Surveillance Systems

• Purpose: To detect, track, and prioritize incoming threats in real time.
• Key Features:
  • Multi-function radars capable of long-range detection.
  • Networked to command-and-control centers for faster decision-making.
  • Integration with missile and DEW platforms for seamless threat neutralization.
• Relevance: Acts as the eyes and brain of IADWS, ensuring a synchronized response to multiple threats.

Overall Features of IADWS

• Multi-Layered Defence: Provides overlapping protection at short, medium, and futuristic energy-based levels.
• Mobility: Road-mobile platforms for rapid deployment across terrains.
• Automation: AI-enabled target tracking and decision support.
• Indigenous Technology: Developed under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

With these components, IADWS ensures that India has a comprehensive, indigenous shield against aerial threats, significantly strengthening its defence architecture.

Significance of the Maiden Flight Test

The successful maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) marks a historic milestone in India’s defence journey. Beyond being a technological achievement, it carries strategic, military, and geopolitical implications.

1. Proof of Indigenous Capability

The test validated India’s ability to design, develop, and integrate a complex, multi-layered air defence shield without external dependency. This strengthens India’s pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.

2. Multi-Layered Defence Against Modern Threats

• Today’s battlefields are dominated by drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
• IADWS provides layered protection—from low-level threats (VSHORADS) to medium-range aerial strikes (QRSAM) and futuristic laser-based neutralization (DEW).
• This ensures that no single threat vector can penetrate India’s defence shield.

3. Strategic Autonomy

India currently relies on imported systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf and Israeli SPYDER. With IADWS:

• Dependency on foreign nations is reduced.
• Critical technologies stay within India.
• Strategic decisions in times of conflict are free from external pressures.

4. Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Defence Exports

• Showcases India as a technology leader in advanced air defence systems.
• Opens avenues for defence exports to friendly nations.
• Strengthens India’s image as not just a buyer but also a supplier of cutting-edge defence technology.

5. Enhances National Security Architecture

• Offers 24×7 protection for strategic installations like nuclear facilities, military bases, and critical infrastructure.
• Enhances defence of border areas, especially against adversaries using drones and precision weapons.
• Provides the Indian Air Force and Army with a force multiplier in future conflicts.

6. Psychological and Geopolitical Impact

• Demonstrates India’s rising stature in global defence technology.
• Acts as a deterrent against adversaries by signaling India’s ability to counter evolving threats.
• Aligns India with countries developing next-generation air defence like the US, Russia, and China.

👉 In short, the maiden flight test of IADWS is not just a technological breakthrough, but also a strategic victory, reinforcing India’s march towards self-reliance, modern warfare readiness, and global defence leadership.

How IADWS Strengthens India’s Defence Architecture

The induction of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is a force multiplier for India’s defence setup. By combining missile systems, radars, and directed energy weapons into a unified platform, it enhances India’s ability to protect both strategic assets and tactical battle formations.

1. Strengthening Multi-Layered Air Defence

India’s defence strategy relies on creating layers of protection against aerial threats:

• Long-Range Layer: Systems like S-400 cover large sectors against hostile aircraft and ballistic missiles.
• Medium-Range Layer: QRSAM offers battlefield protection.
• Short-Range Layer: VSHORADS counters low-flying drones and helicopters.
• Futuristic Layer: Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) neutralize small, agile aerial targets.

👉 With IADWS, these layers now work seamlessly together, creating a comprehensive shield around India’s skies.

2. Mobility and Quick Deployment

Unlike older, static defence systems, IADWS can be deployed on mobile platforms.

• Protects moving convoys, tanks, and infantry in battlefield conditions.
• Useful in mountain warfare (Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh) where flexible deployment is essential.
• Enhances India’s ability to respond quickly in dynamic conflict scenarios.

3. Protecting Critical Infrastructure

IADWS strengthens the security of:

• Nuclear power plants
• Military airbases
• Government command centers
• Industrial hubs and metros (potential future targets of drone or missile attacks)

This makes India’s homeland security grid more resilient against modern threats.

4. Enhancing Jointness Among Armed Forces

IADWS integrates data from radars, command systems, and missile launchers.

• Helps the Army, Air Force, and Navy work in a joint operational framework.
• Provides real-time data for quick decision-making.
• Reduces duplication and improves efficiency in air defence operations.

5. Strategic Edge Against Adversaries

• Against China: Counters advanced drone warfare and hypersonic missile developments.
• Against Pakistan: Neutralizes aerial intrusions like the 2019 Balakot aftermath when Pakistani jets entered Indian airspace.
• Provides credible deterrence, ensuring adversaries think twice before airspace violations.

6. Reducing Import Dependency

Currently, India spends billions importing air defence systems. With IADWS:

• Indigenous capability reduces financial burden.
• Ensures sovereignty over defence technology.
• Allows India to emerge as an exporter of defence solutions to friendly nations.

👉 In essence, IADWS adds a strong, indigenous, and mobile layer of protection to India’s air defence architecture, ensuring readiness for both conventional wars and asymmetric drone-based threats of the future.

Comparison with Global Air Defence Systems

Air defence systems form the backbone of modern warfare. To understand the significance of India’s Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), it’s important to compare it with other globally deployed systems.

1. United States – Patriot Missile Defence System

• Range: 70–160 km (depending on the variant).
• Strengths: Effective against aircraft, drones, and short-range ballistic missiles.
• Limitations: High cost; less effective against saturation drone attacks.
• Comparison with IADWS:
  • Patriot has a longer range than QRSAM.
  • IADWS’s inclusion of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) provides an edge in futuristic warfare.

2. Israel – Iron Dome

• Range: 4–70 km.
• Strengths: Proven effectiveness in intercepting rockets, artillery shells, and drones.
• Limitations: Primarily short-range; expensive to operate continuously.
• Comparison with IADWS:
  • Both provide multi-layer defence against drones and low-altitude threats.
  • IADWS, unlike Iron Dome, integrates missiles (QRSAM, VSHORADS) + DEW into a single system.
  • Iron Dome is combat-tested, while IADWS is at the testing stage.

3. Russia – S-400 Triumf

• Range: Up to 400 km.
• Strengths: World’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile system; capable of engaging stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles.
• Limitations: Costly and dependent on Russian supply chains.
• Comparison with IADWS:
  • S-400 covers long-range threats, while IADWS focuses on short-to-medium range and drone warfare.
  • IADWS is indigenous and mobile, making it more flexible for battlefield operations.

4. China – HQ-9 Air Defence System

• Range: 100–200 km.
• Strengths: Modeled after the Russian S-300 and American Patriot systems; provides area defence against aircraft and cruise missiles.
• Limitations: Less tested in real combat scenarios.
• Comparison with IADWS:
  • HQ-9 emphasizes long-range capabilities.
  • IADWS emphasizes multi-layer integration with futuristic DEW, positioning India ahead in next-gen air defence tech.

Where IADWS Stands Globally

• Unique Edge: The integration of QRSAM + VSHORADS + DEW makes it one of the few systems globally to combine kinetic and non-kinetic weapons.
• Limitations:
  • Currently shorter range compared to S-400 or Patriot.
  • Needs further combat testing before large-scale induction.
• Future Potential: With upgrades, IADWS can become a global export product, strengthening India’s role in the global defence market.

👉 In short, while IADWS may not yet match the range of systems like S-400 or Patriot, its indigenous, mobile, and multi-layered integration puts it in a unique category, especially with the addition of Directed Energy Weapons.

Strategic Importance for India’s Security

India’s Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) matters far beyond the test range. It directly strengthens national security across multiple fronts—deterrence, operational readiness, and technological sovereignty.

1. Credible Deterrence Across Fronts

IADWS raises the cost of any hostile air action by adversaries. A layered shield—combining short, very‑short, and emerging energy‑based options—complicates enemy planning, discourages probing raids, drone swarms, and stand‑off strikes.

2. Protection of Critical Assets

From airbases and command nodes to nuclear facilities, refineries, ports, and metros, India’s critical infrastructure becomes harder to target. This improves crisis endurance and ensures continuity of operations during contingencies.

3. Counter‑Drone and Low‑Altitude Defense

Modern conflicts increasingly feature UAS swarms, loitering munitions, and low‑flying PGMs. By prioritizing rapid detection, short‑reaction intercepts, and cost‑effective neutralization, IADWS plugs a known vulnerability in contemporary air defence.

4. Battlefield Mobility and Survivability

Mobility allows air defence coverage to move with the force—protecting armored columns, logistics convoys, and forward operating bases. This reduces exposure to enemy air power and enhances survivability in fluid, high‑tempo operations.

5. Jointness and Network‑Centric Operations

Integrated sensors, command‑and‑control, and effectors promote tri‑service coordination and faster decision cycles. Shared tracks, common operating pictures, and automated cueing shrink the “sensor‑to‑shooter” timeline.

6. Strategic Autonomy & Atmanirbhar Bharat

Indigenous development reduces supply‑chain risk, sanctions exposure, and lifecycle costs. It also nurtures domestic R&D, creates a vendor base, and accelerates technology spin‑offs into other sectors (optronics, RF, AI, power electronics).

7. Export Potential and Strategic Partnerships

A proven, modular system in a competitive price band can open defence export avenues. This strengthens India’s role as a net security provider and deepens technology partnerships with friendly nations.

8. Escalation Management

Reliable air defence provides leaders with measured response options in crises. By blunting first‑strike advantages and buying time for diplomacy, it contributes to stability and escalation control.

Impact on India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliance in Defence)

The successful maiden test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is not just a military breakthrough—it’s a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology. It directly aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which emphasizes reducing dependence on imports and boosting indigenous innovation.

1. Indigenous Development by DRDO

• IADWS has been designed, developed, and tested in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with public and private defence industries.
• This showcases India’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) into a single operational platform.

2. Reduction in Defence Imports

• India is one of the world’s largest importers of arms, spending billions annually on systems like S-400 (Russia) or SPYDER (Israel).
• With IADWS, India takes a decisive step towards reducing its import dependency, saving foreign exchange, and ensuring technology sovereignty.

3. Boost to Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem

• The project creates demand for indigenous components, including radars, sensors, electronics, and missile subsystems.
• Encourages start-ups, MSMEs, and private companies to become part of the defence supply chain.
• Strengthens the Defence Industrial Corridor initiatives in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

4. Technology Spin-offs

• The technologies developed for IADWS (AI-enabled radar, power systems, advanced optics, laser applications) can benefit civilian sectors like telecommunications, energy, and aerospace.
• Enhances India’s dual-use technology base.

5. Employment and Skill Development

• Large-scale projects like IADWS create high-skilled jobs in R&D, manufacturing, maintenance, and testing.
• Contributes to building a knowledge economy while fostering a generation of scientists, engineers, and defence specialists.

6. Export Potential

• A successful indigenous air defence system gives India the chance to export defence solutions to friendly nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• This not only boosts India’s defence economy but also strengthens its role as a net security provider.

👉 In short, the IADWS is more than a defence achievement—it is a national development milestone, aligning military preparedness with economic growth, industrial strength, and the vision of a self-reliant India.

Possible MCQs on India’s Maiden IADWS Test

Q1. The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), recently tested by India, consists of which of the following components?

1. QRSAM
2. VSHORADS
3. Directed Energy Weapon
4. Nirbhay Cruise Missile

Options:

• (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (b) 2 and 4 only
• (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
• (d) All of the above

✅ Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• The IADWS integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) to provide multi-layer protection against aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions.
• Nirbhay Cruise Missile is a long-range subsonic cruise missile designed for strike operations, not for air defence.

Q2. Which organization is primarily responsible for the development of India’s Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?

Options:

• (a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• (b) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• (c) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• (d) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

✅ Correct Answer: (c) DRDO

Explanation:

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the nodal agency for developing IADWS.
• HAL mainly focuses on aircraft production, BEL on electronics and radars, and ISRO on space missions.
• DRDO’s involvement highlights India’s push for indigenous defence technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Q3. Consider the following pairs of air defence systems and their countries of origin:

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Options:

• (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
• (c) 2 and 4 only
• (d) All of the above

✅ Correct Answer: (d) All of the above

Explanation:

• Iron Dome: Israel’s short-range system to intercept rockets and artillery shells.
• Patriot: US medium-to-long-range system effective against aircraft and ballistic missiles.
• HQ-9: China’s long-range SAM system.
• IADWS: Recently developed by India to provide a multi-layered defence shield.
• All pairs are correct, making this a high-probability UPSC/JKAS Prelims MCQ.

Q4. Which of the following statements best describes the significance of IADWS for India?

Options:

• (a) It is the world’s first air defence system using only lasers.
• (b) It integrates multiple defence layers into a single indigenous shield.
• (c) It replaces the S-400 system imported from Russia.
• (d) It is designed exclusively for naval ships.

✅ Correct Answer: (b) It integrates multiple defence layers into a single indigenous shield.

Explanation:

• IADWS’s uniqueness lies in combining QRSAM, VSHORADS, and DEW under one integrated command-and-control network.
• It does not replace the Russian S-400 (long-range), but rather complements it by providing short-to-medium range protection.
• It is not exclusively naval but land-based, mobile, and adaptable.

Q5. The successful test of IADWS contributes to which of the following national initiatives?

Options:

• (a) Make in India
• (b) Atmanirbhar Bharat
• (c) Defence Export Strategy
• (d) All of the above

✅ Correct Answer: (d) All of the above

Explanation:

• Make in India: Boosts domestic defence manufacturing capacity.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Enhances strategic self-reliance and reduces import dependency.
• Defence Export Strategy: Once mature, IADWS can be marketed to friendly nations.
• Hence, it directly contributes to all three initiatives.

👉 These 5 MCQs with detailed explanations can easily appear in UPSC Prelims or JKAS Prelims under Science & Tech, Security, or Current Affairs.

Sample Mains Questions

GS Paper II (International Relations & Governance)

1. “How does the development of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) strengthen India’s strategic autonomy in international relations?”
2. “Discuss the role of indigenous defence production in enhancing India’s global standing as a net security provider.”

GS Paper III (Science & Technology, Security, and Economy)

3. “Examine the significance of the maiden test of IADWS in the context of India’s defence modernization and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.”
4. “How do multi-layered air defence systems like IADWS alter the future of modern warfare?”
5. “Evaluate the challenges India faces in scaling indigenous defence technologies like IADWS for operational deployment.”

Essay Paper

6. “Self-reliance in defence is the cornerstone of national security – Analyse in the context of India’s IADWS development.”
7. “Technology and innovation: The twin pillars of India’s strategic rise.”
8. “Indigenous defence systems are not just about security, but also about sovereignty and economic growth.”

👉 These questions are high-probability for UPSC Mains (GS II/III) and JKAS, especially under Science & Tech + Security themes.

Conclusion

The successful maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) marks a defining moment in India’s defence journey. By integrating QRSAM, VSHORADS, and Directed Energy Weapons into a single multi-layered shield, India has taken a decisive step toward strategic autonomy and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

For UPSC and JKAS aspirants, this achievement is not just a current affairs update but a multi-dimensional study area—linking science and technology, internal security, economy, and international relations. It also exemplifies how technological innovation, indigenous capability, and strategic foresight converge to shape national security in the 21st century.

As India aspires to be a regional and global security provider, systems like IADWS will play a crucial role in safeguarding sovereignty, countering evolving aerial threats, and boosting defence exports. Thus, IADWS is not only a technological milestone but also a symbol of India’s rising self-reliance and resilience in global defence architecture.

🔑 Key Takeaways for UPSC/JKAS Aspirants

• IADWS (Integrated Air Defence Weapon System): India’s first indigenous, multi-layered air defence shield.
• Components: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
• Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Purpose: To protect against aircraft, drones, precision-guided weapons, and modern aerial threats.
• Strategic Importance: Enhances national security, boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat, and reduces dependence on imports.
• Comparison: Similar to global systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and the US Patriot System, but tailored for India’s needs.
• Exam Relevance: Links to GS II (International Relations), GS III (Science & Tech, Internal Security), Essay Paper, and Prelims factual questions.
• Possible Questions: Prelims on features/components, Mains on Atmanirbhar Bharat and strategic significance, Essay on self-reliance in defence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on IADWS

Q1. What is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is India’s first indigenous multi-layered air defence shield developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It combines Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAMs), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) to protect against aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions.

Q2. Who developed IADWS in India?

The IADWS has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Indian defence manufacturing partners. This project is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative to reduce reliance on foreign weapon systems.

Q3. What is the significance of IADWS for India’s defence?

IADWS provides multi-layered protection to critical assets such as military bases, cities, and infrastructure from aerial threats. It strengthens India’s air defence network, reduces dependence on imported systems, and enhances the country’s strategic autonomy.

Q4. How is IADWS relevant for UPSC/JKAS aspirants?

For aspirants, IADWS is important under:

• UPSC Prelims: Questions on defence systems, DRDO, and science & tech current affairs.
• UPSC Mains (GS Paper III): Topics like Atmanirbhar Bharat, indigenous defence production, internal security, and defence technology.
• Essay Paper: Themes on self-reliance, national security, and technology in modern warfare.

Q5. How does IADWS strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat?

IADWS is a shining example of India’s indigenous defence capability. By developing such a complex system domestically, India not only reduces defence imports but also builds capacity for future exports, aligning with both Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Q6. Which countries have similar systems like IADWS?

• Israel: Iron Dome – protects against rockets and artillery.
• USA: Patriot Air Defence System – intercepts aircraft and ballistic missiles.
• Russia: S-400 – long-range surface-to-air missile system.
• China: HQ-9 – similar to the Russian S-300 system.
  India’s IADWS joins this global league of integrated, multi-layered air defence systems.

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Rohit Thapa

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