New Delhi. Amidst the increasing use of drones, India has made significant progress in strengthening its counter-drone capability. Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed a laser based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) with 30 kW capacity. This technology has been specifically developed for rapid neutralization of aerial targets like drones.
Ability to deal with multiple drones simultaneously
The system can be mounted on a vehicle and has demonstrated the ability to target fixed-wing UAVs and groups of drones in trials. According to the published material related to DRDO, its effective capability is stated against aerial threats up to about 5 kilometers. The system has also been shown to be capable of damaging electronic targets such as surveillance sensors and antennae.
laser beam instead of missile
The functioning of this weapon is different from conventional missiles or ammunition. In this, a high energy laser beam is focused on the target. Its advantage is that the energy reaches the target very quickly and there is no need to fire a physical projectile.
Growing scope of India's indigenous technology
DRDO has been working on Directed Energy and counter-drone technology for a long time. The 30 kW system showcases India's high-energy laser capability in this field. Now preparations are on for mass production of this indigenous 30 kW laser weapon.