DRDO’s Directed Energy Weapon: A Leap in Defence Technology

1. Test Overview:
2. • DRDO conducted a successful trial of a laser-based DEW at Pokhran, Rajasthan, on an unspecified date in 2025.
   • The system neutralized a drone at 1.5 km range, demonstrating precision and effectiveness.
2. System Specifications:
3. • Generates a 10-kilowatt laser beam, scalable to higher outputs with additional modules.
   • Capable of engaging targets like drones, missiles, and unexploded ordnance.
3. Mechanism:
4. • Uses high-energy lasers to burn or disable targets by focusing intense heat.
   • Offers pinpoint accuracy, unlike conventional weapons, minimizing collateral damage.
4. Applications:
5. • Neutralizes small aerial threats (drones, balloons) and ground-based explosives.
   • Potential for anti-satellite roles and countering hypersonic missiles with upgrades.
   • Enhances border security against low-cost threats like drones used for smuggling or attacks.
5. Strategic Advantages:
6. • Cost-effective compared to missile-based defences (laser shot costs ~₹1,000 vs. ₹1 crore for missiles).
   • Unlimited “ammunition” as long as power is available, unlike depletable munitions.
   • Silent and invisible, providing tactical surprise.
6. Development Status:
7. • Part of DRDO’s ongoing DEW programme, including projects like DURGA-II (100 kW system).
   • Current prototype is vehicle-mounted for mobility; future versions may be compact or ship-based.
   • Requires advancements in beam control and power efficiency for operational deployment.
7. Global Context:
8. • Joins nations like the U.S., China, and Israel in deploying DEWs for military use.
   • Responds to regional threats, e.g., China’s drone incursions and Pakistan’s tactical drones.
8. Challenges:
9. • Limited range in adverse weather (fog, rain) due to beam scattering.
   • High energy consumption requires robust power sources.
   • Scaling to counter larger threats (jets, missiles) demands technological leaps.
9. Future Plans:
10. • DRDO aims to integrate DEWs into air defence networks by 2030.
    • Collaborations with private firms to accelerate production and innovation.
    • Potential for export to friendly nations, boosting India’s defence industry.
10. Security Implications:
11. • Strengthens India’s deterrence against asymmetric threats like drone swarms.
    • Reduces reliance on imported air defence systems, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Key Terms:

• DEW: Directed Energy Weapon, using lasers or microwaves to disable targets.
• Laser: High-energy light beam used for precision targeting in DEWs.
• DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation, India’s defence R&D agency.
• Pokhran: Testing range in Rajasthan for India’s defence experiments.
• Drone: Unmanned aerial vehicle, a primary target for DEWs.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: India’s self-reliance initiative, including in defence production.
• DURGA-II: DRDO’s advanced DEW project for high-power applications.

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-tests-directed-energy-weapon-system-that-can-disable-drones-missiles/article69446266.ece?