India has achieved a significant milestone in defense innovation with the successful testing of a 30-kilowatt (kW) laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This development places India among an elite group of nations possessing high-powered laser weapon technology, signaling a new era in next-generation military warfare.
DRDO’s Laser Weapon: A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare
The breakthrough test was carried out at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), this advanced DEW system demonstrated its ability to:
- Detect and track aerial threats, including drones and swarm attacks
- Neutralize targets with pinpoint laser precision
- Operate silently and quickly, without traditional ammunition
Key Features of India’s 30kW Laser Weapon System
- System Name: Mk-II(A) Laser Weapon
- Power Output: 30kW (formed by combining six 5kW fiber lasers)
- Range: Effective up to 5 kilometers
- Targeting System: 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors
- Engagement: All-direction detection and precision strikes
Advantages of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)
Unlike conventional weaponry, this laser-based system offers multiple benefits:
- Silent Operation – No sound or explosive detonation
- Low Operating Cost – Each shot costs equivalent to just a few liters of petrol
- Eco-Friendly & Efficient – No physical ammunition or debris
- Rapid Response Time – Instant target engagement and neutralization
National Collaboration Behind the Innovation
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat highlighted the achievement as a result of strong collaboration between government scientists, academic institutions, and private industry. CHESS Director Dr. Jagannath Nayak emphasized that this test marks a critical step in establishing India as a global leader in DEW technology.
What’s Next: Future Plans for Laser Weapons
India’s DEW roadmap includes plans to develop even more powerful laser systems:
- 50kW and 100kW versions under development
- A flagship 300kW system codenamed “Surya”, expected by 2027
- Surya’s Target Capabilities: Enemy drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft
- Expected Range: Up to 20 kilometers
Conclusion: India’s Strategic Edge in Laser Weapon Technology
With the successful test of the 30kW DEW system, India has reinforced its defense capabilities while also making a strong entry into the realm of futuristic laser weapons. This advancement underscores the nation’s commitment to military self-reliance and technological leadership in global defense.