India has test-fired a cutting-edge laser defense system that can knock out both fixed-wing drones and swarms of drones, a major development in defense technology. India becomes one of a mere four countries — along with the United States, Russia, and China — to have such advanced defense technologies.
The Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) breakthrough trial was conducted at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) states that this high-energy laser system is capable of countering aerial threats and small projectiles with great precision and speed.
Designed by DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, the weapon was designed in partnership with Indian industries and educational institutions. DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat informed ANI, "To the best of my knowledge, it is the United States, Russia and China who have showcased this capability. Israel is developing similar capabilities too, I would say that we are the fourth or fifth nation in the world to showcase this system."
A Glimpse into the Future of Warfare
Comparing it to the hypothetical 'Death Star' in the science fiction movie Star Wars, Laser-DEW demonstrates cutting-edge capabilities. Kamat said this is one step in a series of efforts towards developing sophisticated defense systems in India. "This is the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this laboratory has developed with other DRDO laboratories, industry and academia, I am sure we will be reaching our destination soon," he said.
He also added, "We are also developing other high energy systems such as high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse. So we are developing a number of technologies that will provide us with Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the pieces of Star Wars technologies."
How the Laser Weapon Works
The Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW is a powerful counter-drone solution because of its quick response time, precision guidance, and capacity to neutralize threats in a matter of seconds. Intended to destroy high-altitude fixed-wing drones and incapacitate multiple incoming threats at once, the system efficiently kills critical drone components like surveillance devices and antennae.
Employing radar or its built-in Electro-Optic (EO) system for target identification, the DEW fires a focused laser beam that destroys or incapacitates its target by severing its structural components.
This technology is projected to diminish reliance on traditional ammunition and minimize incidental harm in combat operations. With the ongoing advancement of laser-based systems such as the DEW, they are likely to supplant traditional missile defense systems because of their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
In an age of drone warfare becoming increasingly prevalent, Directed Energy Weapons are re-emerging as a viable, sustainable, and cost-effective way to cancel out threats on the battlefield.
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