Enhancing India's National Security with IADWS

India's Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

In a significant advancement for national security, India is set to deploy an indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) aimed at safeguarding the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) from potential aerial threats. This initiative marks a pivotal transition toward self-reliant defence capabilities, especially given the increasing sophistication of threats such as missiles, drones, and fast-moving aircraft.

What the IADWS Includes?

The proposed IADWS is structured as a multilayered air defence network, integrating various indigenous systems to ensure comprehensive coverage. Key components of the system include:

• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems, which feature high mobility and quick engagement capabilities to intercept aerial threats effectively.
• Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), designed to neutralize low-flying targets like drones, helicopters, and slow-moving aircraft.
• A robust networking and command-and-control infrastructure that links sensors, missiles, and response units into a single coordinated operational grid.

This combination ensures layered protection against both short- and very-short-range threats, facilitating rapid interception and coordinated decision-making.

Strategic Context: Lessons from Operation Sindoor

The push for the indigenous IADWS by the Defence Ministry comes amidst heightened security concerns. During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Pakistan reportedly made attempts to target India, which prompted the government to expedite efforts to secure vital national assets, particularly in the capital region. Thus, deploying an indigenous system serves both strategic and symbolic roles, enhancing national defence readiness while showcasing India’s technological advancements.

Shift from the NASAMS-II Procurement Plan

India's current strategy also indicates a significant policy shift. Previous plans involved procuring the US-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), a system utilized for the defence of Washington D.C. Negotiations were underway but were ultimately stalled due to the high costs quoted by the United States. The decision to pursue a domestic alternative signifies a decisive step toward:

• Cost-efficiency
• Autonomy in defence procurement
• Support for India’s defence industrial ecosystem

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)?
Answer: The IADWS is an indigenous air defence network designed to protect India from aerial threats, integrating various systems for comprehensive coverage.

Q2. Why is India focusing on indigenous defence systems?
Answer: India aims to enhance self-reliance, reduce costs, and support the domestic defence industry, moving away from reliance on foreign systems.

Q3. What components make up the IADWS?
Answer: The IADWS includes QRSAM systems, VSHORADS, and a command-and-control infrastructure for coordinated operations.

Q4. How does the IADWS improve national security?
Answer: By providing layered protection against various aerial threats, the IADWS enhances India's readiness and response capabilities.

Q5. What lessons were learned from Operation Sindoor?
Answer: Operation Sindoor highlighted the need for robust air defence capabilities to counter potential aerial threats effectively, prompting the push for IADWS.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the IADWS?
A) To enhance naval capabilities
B) To protect against aerial threats
C) To improve ground forces
D) To develop cyber security
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which system is included in the IADWS for intercepting threats?
A) NASAMS-II
B) QRSAM
C) VSHORADS
D) Both B and C
Correct Answer: D

Question 3: Why was the NASAMS-II procurement plan halted?
A) Lack of interest
B) High costs
C) Technical issues
D) Political reasons
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What event prompted the development of the IADWS?
A) Operation Sindoor
B) Kargil War
C) 26/11 Mumbai attacks
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: A

Question 5: What is a key benefit of the IADWS for India?
A) Foreign dependency
B) Increased costs
C) Self-reliance in defence
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C