India strengthens layered air defence through integration

Source: The post Press freedom faces threats under misuse of new law has been created, based on the article “A stronger air shield” published in “Indian Express” on 28th August 2025. India strengthens layered air defence through integration.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Context: DRDO announced the maiden flight test of an all-indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The three-layered system targets aircraft, drones, and missiles up to 30–35 km. This test, part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra 2035. This highlights India’s progress toward self-reliant, multi-domain defence systems and future international collaborations for layered security.

For detailed information on Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) read this article here

IADWS and Its Significance

1. Layers and ranges: IADWS combines a QR-SAM (30 km), an Advanced VSHORADS (up to 6 km), and a laser-based DEW (2–4 km). Together, they cover outer, inner, and terminal zones.
2. Centralised control: A DRDL (Defence Research & Development Laboratory)-developed Centralised Command and Control Centre coordinates detection, decision, and engagement. It enables integrated, real-time operation of all layers.
3. Trial outcomes: Three targets—two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs and a multi-copter drone—were simultaneously destroyed. All components performed flawlessly, validating lab-built integration.

IGMDP Foundations and Capability Growth

1. Genesis and clustered approach: Technology synergising began with the IGMDP (1983) under A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. A five-laboratory “missile cluster” in Hyderabad pursued linked goals.
2. Strategic systems and derivatives: ASL developed Agni and Prithvi, the delivery end of nuclear deterrence. These evolved into ABM, ASAT, and MIRV capabilities.
3. Tactical missile stream: DRDL handled Trishul and Akash (anti-aircraft) and Nag (anti-tank). These became more capable tactical missiles over time.
4. Enabling laboratories: The IGMDP spawned a Young Scientists Laboratory for AI and quantum. RCI leads navigation, guidance/homing, C2, high-temperature materials; TBRL focuses on warhead design.

Role of Industry in Strengthening Air Defence

1. Trickle-down to industry: Public-sector advances now enter private products, widening India’s defence manufacturing base.
2. CUMI’s radome manufacturing: CUMI signed a technology transfer pact with DRDO to make ceramic radomes. This moves critical know-how into industry.
3. Ceramics for extreme regimes: Missile and aircraft radomes face extreme heating, including re-entry. Indian radomes use specialised DRDO-developed ceramics.

What Should Be Done to Build a Stronger Shield

1. Rationale and partners: Beyond domestic synergy, India can collaborate with Israel for integrated defences against combined air operations like Operation Sindoor.
2. Iron Dome’s cycle and costs: Iron Dome tracks threats within ~160 km. The Tamir interceptor flies at ~1 km/s; unit cost fell from ~$100,000 to ~$40–50,000.
3. Progressive outer layers : Beyond Iron Dome, Israel employs THAAD to intercept ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere at up to ~200 km. David’s Sling adds a farther layer with coverage to ~300 km. Arrow 3 forms the outermost ring, defeating medium-range ballistic missiles at up to ~2,400 km. The layers engage progressively farther out to keep threats away from defended areas.

India’s Approach to Collaborations

1. Joint development principle : In international co-development, India uses its strengths and partners for gaps. The workshare is fixed in advance, so each side knows what to build. India integrates the full system, so the final product is Indian. This approach keeps Indian capabilities strong while using the partner’s expertise.
2. BrahMos experience: With Russia, India handled navigation and mission control on BrahMos. The partnership enabled co-development.
3. LR-SAM discipline: For LR-SAM with Israel, India built the rear section; Israel provided the front section and seeker. India led integration, and collaboration is pursued only when no such product already exists.

Conclusion

The IADWS test proves India’s capacity to integrate indigenous technologies into a ready defence system. Going ahead, expanding public–private partnerships, ensuring cost-effective layered defence, and following clear collaboration rules will be key. Together, these steps can secure a resilient and self-reliant air defence shield for India.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the IADWS test reflects India’s layered air defence strategy and the IGMDP-driven integration of technologies across DRDO and industry.