India has achieved a significant breakthrough in defense technology with the successful demonstration of an indigenously developed 30-kilowatt Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this cutting-edge system is capable of neutralizing a variety of aerial threats, including drones, mini-helicopters, and swarm attacks.
The demonstration was recently conducted at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
⚙️ Key Features of the Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW System
- High-Powered Laser: Uses a 30-kilowatt laser capable of destroying targets at the speed of light.
- Effective Engagement Range: Can neutralize threats within a range of up to 5 kilometers.
- Precision Targeting: Integrated with Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors for real-time detection and targeting.
- Rapid Response: Capable of destroying multiple drones or low-flying aircraft within seconds.
- Cost-Effective: The cost of firing the laser for a few seconds is equivalent to just a few liters of petrol, making it highly economical compared to missiles or bullets.
🛠️ Strategic Capabilities and Future Expansion
With this achievement, India joins an elite group of countries — including the USA, China, and Russia — that have demonstrated capabilities in high-energy laser weapons. DRDO aims to further scale up this technology for use on:
- Airborne platforms (like fighter jets)
- Naval vessels
- Mobile land systems
Plans are underway to increase power output and integrate High-Power Microwave (HPM) and Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) technologies in the future.
🎯 Advantages Over Traditional Weaponry
- Zero Ammunition Logistics: No need to carry missiles or shells.
- Instant Engagement: Capable of responding to incoming threats within milliseconds.
- Minimal Collateral Damage: High precision means low risk to civilians or infrastructure.
- Low Operational Cost: Ideal for counter-drone operations, especially against low-cost UAVs.
🛡️ Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defense
The laser-DEW system has been developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in collaboration with other Indian research labs and industries. This marks a major milestone under India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ defense initiatives.
This weapon system represents a game-changer in modern warfare and is a step forward in equipping the Indian Armed Forces with next-generation weapon systems.
Curated by Gurdeep Singh, Senior Editor
BoldVoices.in 
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