For the first time, India conducted a successful trial of a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system that can disable, degrade or destroy small remotely piloted aircraft, swarm drones, missiles and sensors.
With this trial, India becomes one of the only four nations to have developed the technology. Apart from India, only the US, China and Russia can disable weapons using this technology.
A team of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials tested the new 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) in Kurnool.
What is the Mk-II(A) DEW system?
The Mk-II(A) DEW system has been developed indigenously. According to reports, DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, developed the system along with several academic institutions and Indian industries.
DRDO sources News18 that the Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.
According to ANI, the lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered to the target within a few seconds made it the most potent Counter Drone System.
According to News18, this weapon system is ready for production and deployment across various military platforms. The DRDO is also working on other high-energy systems like microwaves and electromagnetic pulses to achieve “Star Wars”-like defence capabilities.
“This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon,” DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat told news agency ANI. “We are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies.”
How does the system work?
The Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) is one of the most potent counter drone systems due to its lightning speed of engagement, precision and lethal action within a few seconds.
The laser system engages fixed-wing drones from a long range. It can thwart multiple drone attacks at a time, destroying surveillance sensors and antennae.
Once the Laser-DEW system's radar identifies a target, it uses an intense beam of powerful light (Laser Beam) to cut through it, causing structural failures or even more lethal damage.
“It is a very powerful and reusable weapon for 'beam kills’, instead of ‘kinetic kills’ with expensive missiles and ammunition. With low cost per kill, it’s much more economical, especially for extended wars like we are now seeing. This is the technology of the future,” DRDO director-general (electronics and communication systems) Dr B K Das told Times of India.
How will DEW help?
The increased use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) worldwide has increased demand for advanced anti-drone technologies. India’s progress in developing a laser-based weapon system marks a major leap forward in enhancing its defence preparedness and technological edge.
According to reports, the cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. So, the DEW is expected to replace traditional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems due to its ease of operation and cost-effectiveness.
It can also lower the risk of collateral damage and reduce reliance on expensive ammunition during conflict.
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