IADWS is expected to offer multiple layers of protection by combining surveillance, threat identification, and air defence systems to detect and destroy threats, including long-range missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, along the borders and at critical installations.
About IADWS
- Components: IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising:
- Indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM): Developed by DRDO.
- It is a short-range (5 to 30 km range) SAM system designed to protect moving armoured columns from aerial attacks.
- It is configured on mobile platform and is capable of providing air defence on the move.
- Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles: Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
- It is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
- A high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): Developed by Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences.
- Laser-DEW can engage targets at the speed of light and use an intense laser beam to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted.
- Indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM): Developed by DRDO.
- Command Centre: Integrated operation of all the weapon system components is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL).
- DRDL is the nodal laboratory of the programme.
