India becomes the 4th nation to test a laser directed weapon system

India became the fourth nation in the world to successfully test a high-energy laser-directed (DEA) weapon system that can engage and destroy airborne targets. Russia, China, and the United States have successfully demonstrated this capability. The 30-kilowatt laser-directed-energy weapon system Mk-II(A) DEW was tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

About the Mk-II(A) weapon system

The Mk-II(A) system has been developed by the DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indian industries and academic institutions.

The weapon system has been designed to engage and take down fixed-wing drones at long range, engage multiple hostile drone attacks and destroy enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.

The range of the weapon system is 5 kilometers.

How does the system work?

The Mk-II(A) system is equipped with 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared sensors that work as a radar and precisely locate the targets.

The weapon system emits high-energy laser beams focused on a target.

The laser produces narrow beams of monochromatic (single-wavelength) light in coherent beams (all photons traveling in the same direction with the same phase). These narrow beams can focus energy precisely on a designated point. 

The concentrated energy can cut through the target, causing structural failures or even more lethal damage.

The Mk-II(A) system can be rapidly deployed through road, air, sea, or rail.

DRDO is also developing a more powerful 300-kilowatt surya weapon system with a range of 20 kilometers.

Pros and cons of the weapon system 

• The Mk-II A can generate beams at the speed of light, making it difficult for the target to evade the weapon system.
• It is extremely precise, which makes it possible to undertake surgical strikes with little or no collateral damage.
• The cost of operating the MK-IIA weapon system is much less than that of the conventional system, which uses missiles and other ammunition.
• Due to its low cost and operational capability, the MK-IIA is expected to replace traditional missiles and other weapon systems.
• The weapon system can fire laser beams over a longer period of time, compared to the traditional weapon system, which relies on a constant supply of spare ammunition.

Limitations 

• The laser weapon travels in a straight line, which means it can shoot only at enemy targets in line of sight.

DRDO 

DRDO is the premier research and development body under the Union Ministry of Defence. 

It was established in 1958 to develop a modern weapon system and make the Indian Armed Forces self-reliant.

Headquarters: New Delhi

Chairman: Dr Samir V Kamat