India Tightens Shield: Successful Test of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) and All-Women CISF Commando Force Launch

India has successfully tested its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) and simultaneously launched the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) first all-women commando team, marking two major milestones in the country’s national security landscape. The twin developments underline India’s commitment to building a multi-layered air defence grid and empowering women in frontline security roles.


IADWS Maiden Test: Strengthening India’s Multi-Layered Air Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on Saturday. This advanced system forms a crucial part of India’s upcoming national security shield, announced under Mission Sudarshan Chakra by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The test demonstrated the country’s indigenous capabilities in building multi-tiered air defence solutions. During the trial:

  • Three aerial threats were simultaneously intercepted and destroyed, including two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs and a multi-copter drone.

  • The system integrated Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

  • The command and control centre for IADWS was developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.

The Defence Ministry confirmed flawless performance of the missile systems, radar, communication infrastructure, and drone detection technologies, solidifying India’s position among the few nations capable of deploying laser-based defensive weapons.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a “game-changing step in securing India’s strategic facilities and airspace,” while PM Modi emphasized that Mission Sudarshan Chakra is aimed at building a comprehensive defence-offence grid within the next decade.


Operation Sindoor and Role of Akashteer

The maiden IADWS test builds on India’s demonstrated operational prowess during Operation Sindoor — New Delhi’s high-stakes response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Between May 7 and May 10, India struck multiple terror camps and Pakistani military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Key highlights from Operation Sindoor:

  • Destruction of nine terror camps and 13 airbases/military sites.

  • Deployment of Akashteer, India’s indigenous air defence control and reporting system, which ensured seamless integration with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

  • Successful interception of Pakistani drones and missiles, proving the effectiveness of India’s layered air defence shield.

This operational success and the ongoing IADWS trials are key steps towards India’s stated goal of building a self-reliant, modernised security grid by 2035.


Women in Combat: CISF’s First All-Women Commando Team

In another historic development, the CISF launched its first all-women commando team to guard airports and other high-security installations. The programme reflects India’s growing focus on women-led security initiatives.

  • Training Programme: Conducted at the Regional Training Centre, Barwaha (Madhya Pradesh), the 8-week advanced commando course includes:

    • Rigorous physical fitness drills.

    • Live-fire stress simulations.

    • Obstacle courses and rappelling.

    • Survival training in forested environments.

    • A 48-hour confidence-building exercise designed to test leadership and decision-making under pressure.

  • Deployment Plan: The first batch of 30 female commandos began training on August 11 and will graduate on October 4. A second batch will train from October 6 to November 29.

  • Long-Term Strategy: At least 100 women from Aviation Security Groups and sensitive units will undergo training in the first phase, with plans to integrate all-women commando courses permanently into CISF’s training calendar.

This marks a significant leap towards gender inclusivity in national security forces, positioning India alongside nations with strong female representation in frontline security roles.


Strategic Significance

The IADWS trial and the induction of an all-women commando unit showcase India’s dual approach:

  1. Technological Modernisation – Building indigenous, multi-layered air defence systems capable of intercepting missiles, drones, and advanced aerial threats.

  2. Human Capital Empowerment – Empowering women through advanced commando training, reinforcing India’s security apparatus.

Together, these developments highlight India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence, strong deterrence capabilities, and inclusive leadership in national security.


Conclusion

India’s focus on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, successful IADWS testing, and gender inclusivity in commando forces demonstrate a clear roadmap: a future-ready India with cutting-edge defence technology and empowered personnel at the helm. These milestones are not just military achievements; they are symbolic of India’s strategic rise on the global stage, redefining how the country secures its skies, assets, and citizens.



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