The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Sunday (April 13, 2025) revealed the effective trial of a Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles.The success has actually put India in the exclusive and minimal club of nations, which are possessing the high-power Laser-DEW system, DRDO said in a statement.Indigenously created and established Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its whole spectrum of ability by engaging the set wing drones at long variety, thwarting a numerous drone attack and damaging enemy security sensing units and antennae, the statement said.
The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered at the target within couple of seconds made it the most potent counter drone system.The requirement for affordable defence solutions to offset the inexpensive drone attacks is driving the adoption of DEWs by military organisations worldwide, DRDO said.Cost of shooting it for few seconds is comparable to the cost of couple of litres of gas.
Therefore, it has the prospective to be a long-lasting and inexpensive option to beat the target.Cutting-Edge WeaponryDetailing the performance of the system, the declaration stated as soon as detected by a radar or by its integrated Electro Optic (EO) system, laser-DEW can engage targets at the speed of light and use an intense laser beam to cut through the target, resulting in structural failure or more impactful outcomes if the warhead is targeted.
This type of advanced weapons has the prospective to change the battlespace by lowering the reliance on pricey ammunition, while also lowering the danger of collateral damage, DRDO stated.At its core is a 2-kilowatt laser beam that can shoot down drones from a range of 800 to 1,000 metres.
It also supports other techniques of disruption, making it versatile to a wide variety of threats.The trial was brought at the National Open Air Range, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.
The system was developed by DRDOs Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad along with other labs, academic organizations and Indian industries.Noting that proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the introduction of drone swarms as asymmetric dangers are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities, DRDO said the DEW would soon be changing conventional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems due to its ease of operation and expense effectiveness.Combat Features and DeploymentThe 30-kilowatt system is constructed to take down aerial hazards such as drones and helicopters within a 5-kilometre range.
It incorporates electronic warfare abilities that can jam both interaction and satellite signals, adding another layer of tactical edge.It can be mounted on ground-based units or adapted for usage on naval platforms.
The system consists of a 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor, which permits precise targeting.
It can likewise be rapidly deployed by air, rail, roadway, or sea offering versatility across surfaces and operational theatres.Sources: The Hindu; The Economic Times;