The system made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tracked the drone, fired a laser beam and destroyed the target
India Successfully Tests High-Powered Laser Weapon
India has made a remarkable advancement in modern warfare technology by successfully testing a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, capable of neutralising drones with pinpoint precision. This breakthrough places India among an elite group of nations that possess such futuristic defence capabilities.
🔥 Key Highlights of the Test
- System Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Location of Test: Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
- Weapon Tested: Mk-II(A) Vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)
- Conducted By: CHESS (Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences), Hyderabad
🎯 Features and Capabilities of the DEW System
- Successfully tracked, targeted, and neutralised:
- Fixed-wing UAVs
- Swarm drones
- Surveillance sensors and antennae
- Demonstrated laser engagement at the speed of light
- Caused structural damage and sensor disablement within seconds
- Showcased complete engagement capability from detection to destruction
🌐 India Joins the Global Laser-DEW Club
- India becomes one of the few countries with high-powered laser-DEW systems.
- Other countries with similar capabilities include:
- United States
- Russia
- China
- Israel (developing)
“We are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system,”
— Samir V. Kamat, DRDO Chairman
🚀 Towards Star Wars-like Defence Capabilities
DRDO is not stopping here. It is working on a range of high-energy technologies, such as:
- High-energy microwaves
- Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) systems
- Next-generation directed energy systems
These technologies aim to build Star Wars-like futuristic defence systems, enhancing India’s edge in modern warfare.
⚡ Speed, Precision, and Cost-Effectiveness
The DEW system offers several advantages over traditional defence systems:
- Engagement Speed: Instant response due to laser light-speed targeting
- Precision: Accurate hits with minimal collateral damage
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for expensive missiles and ammunition
- Sustainability: Easier to operate and maintain than kinetic weapons
🔧 Developed Through Indigenous Collaboration
- Developed by DRDO’s CHESS in collaboration with:
- LRDE (Electronics)
- IRDE (Optical Systems)
- DLRL (Radar & Communication)
- Indian industries and academic institutions
This test marks a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in defence technology.
🌐 Global Impact and Future Warfare
- The rise of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drone swarms has transformed modern warfare.
- Directed Energy Weapons like the Mk-II(A) DEW are:
- Effective countermeasures
- Strategic game-changers
- Future replacements for kinetic missile defence systems
🛡️ Conclusion
India’s successful laser weapon test represents not just a technological leap but a strategic transformation in the country’s defence preparedness. With the power to engage threats at the speed of light and reshape the battlefield dynamics, Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) are no longer science fiction—they are India’s reality.
