A view of a Laser Weapon developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to shoot down aerial targets in Kurnool on April 13, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ANI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Sunday (April 13, 2025) announced the successful 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 put India in the exclusive and limited club of nations, which are possessing the high-power Laser-DEW system, DRDO said in a statement.
“Indigenously designed and developed 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,” the statement said. “The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered at the target within few seconds made it the most potent counter drone system.”
The requirement for cost-effective defence solutions to offset the low-cost drone attacks is driving the adoption of DEWs by military organisations worldwide, DRDO said. “Cost of firing it for few seconds is equivalent to the cost of couple of litres of petrol. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term and low-cost alternative to defeat the target.”
Cutting-edge weaponry
Detailing the functioning of the system, the statement said once detected by a radar or by its inbuilt 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, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted. This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition, while also lowering the risk of collateral damage, DRDO stated.
The trial was carried at the National Open Air Range, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The system was developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad along with other labs, academic institutions and Indian industries.
Noting that proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities, DRDO said the DEW would soon be replacing traditional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems due to its ease of operation and cost effectiveness.
Published – April 13, 2025 08:45 pm IST