In a major leap toward next-gen warfare, India has successfully tested its first high-powered laser weapon, marking a new era in indigenous defence capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A) tracked and obliterated both fixed-wing drones and a swarm of UAVs during a field demo in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
The system, mounted on a vehicle and developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), demonstrated blistering precision, real-time tracking, and laser strike capability at the speed of light. With this successful trial, India joins an elite group of countries—including the US, Russia, China, and Israel—to deploy such advanced Directed Energy Weapon systems.
“This is just the beginning of the journey,” said DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat, hinting at future developments in electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and high-energy microwave (HEM) technologies that could provide full-fledged ‘Star Wars’ capabilities.
The DEW MK-II(A) caused critical structural damage and disabled surveillance sensors, making it a game-changer in counter-drone warfare—a domain gaining global urgency amid drone-led conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
Indigenously designed with support from labs like LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, academic partners, and Indian industries, this weapon system reflects India’s growing prowess in futuristic combat tech.
Cheaper, cleaner, and quicker than traditional missiles, laser DEWs are set to redefine battlefield dynamics.
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