Daily Mains Question - GS 3 - 28th August 2025
- TPP
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to your Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – GS Paper 3 (Internal Security, Science & Technology, Defence Preparedness).
Today’s question discusses the strategic importance of India’s indigenous defence systems in strengthening self-reliance and enhancing national security. The successful maiden test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) by DRDO reflects India’s growing capability in developing homegrown solutions for modern warfare. The IADWS combines Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), representing a multi-layered shield against diverse aerial threats including fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, and swarm drones.
For UPSC aspirants, this topic is highly relevant under GS Paper 3 themes:
Defence Self-Reliance: Indigenous R&D and manufacturing reducing dependence on imports.
Science & Technology in Security: Role of advanced technologies like radars, missile systems, and directed energy weapons.
Internal and External Security: Strengthening preparedness against asymmetric threats such as drones and UAVs.
Defence Industrial Ecosystem: Boosting DRDO, MSMEs, and private sector contribution towards achieving defence export and production targets.
Understanding this issue helps aspirants evaluate how indigenous systems collectively strengthen national security, promote strategic autonomy, and act as stepping stones toward comprehensive defence initiatives like Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
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QUESTION
Discuss the strategic importance of India’s indigenous systems in the quest for defence self-reliance and how these components collectively strengthen national security.
Answer: India’s pursuit of defence self-reliance (Atmanirbharta in defence) is a cornerstone of national security policy. The Ministry of Defence recently announced the successful maiden tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The IADWS integrates three indigenous components — Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). Together, they represent a multi-layered, indigenous shield against aerial threats, enhancing India’s defence preparedness and strategic autonomy.
Indigenous Components of IADWS
(a) QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile)
Short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to protect mobile armoured formations.
Range: 3–30 km; configured on mobile platforms with search-on-move and track-on-move radars.
System includes Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar, both providing 360° coverage.
Ensures rapid deployment and autonomous operation during high-mobility combat scenarios.
(b) VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System)
Fourth-generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS).
Miniaturised and technologically advanced; designed for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Capable of intercepting low-flying aerial threats such as helicopters, drones, and fighter jets.
Adds a last-line defensive layer complementing QRSAM.
(c) DEW (Directed Energy Weapon)
Laser-based DEW MK-II(A), successfully tested against UAVs and swarm drones.
Range: < 3 km; mounted on mobile vehicles.
Provides non-kinetic defence capability by disabling sensors and damaging structures of hostile drones.
Positions India among a select group of nations with DEW technology.
Strategic Importance of Indigenous Defence Systems
Defence Self-Reliance
Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers; aligns with Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020.
Saves foreign exchange: India is among the world’s top arms importers, spending billions annually.
National Security and Preparedness
Multi-layered shield from 3 km (DEW) to 30 km (QRSAM) provides effective neutralisation of aerial threats, including UAVs, fighter aircraft, and swarm drones.
Enhances readiness against emerging asymmetric threats.
Technological Sovereignty
Development by DRDO labs (RCI, CHESS) strengthens India’s defence R&D ecosystem.
Encourages innovation in cutting-edge domains such as lasers, radar systems, and autonomous command centres.
Operational Flexibility
Interoperable command-and-control allows coordinated functioning of QRSAM, VSHORADS, and DEW.
Adaptable to all three services, enhancing jointness in modern warfare.
Strategic Deterrence
Indigenous systems enhance credibility of deterrence by signalling self-sufficiency in defensive capability.
Complements India’s broader goals such as Mission Sudarshan Chakra (towards a comprehensive national air defence shield).
Industrial and Economic Multiplier
Boosts domestic defence industry, MSMEs, and startups.
Supports India’s aim to achieve USD 25 billion defence production by 2025, including USD 5 billion exports.
The integration of QRSAM, VSHORADS, and DEW into the IADWS demonstrates India’s progress towards defence self-reliance, multi-domain readiness, and indigenous technological innovation. By covering the spectrum of aerial threats within 30 km, these systems provide a comprehensive defensive shield and reduce external dependence. The maiden success of IADWS is not only a milestone in DRDO’s capabilities but also a strategic step towards building a resilient, self-sufficient, and future-ready national security architecture.
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