Team TrickyScribe: India marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities as the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted a successful field demonstration of the land-based, vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A).
The test, held at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, showcased the system’s ability to neutralize aerial threats, placing India among an exclusive group of global powers with advanced high-power laser technology.
The MK-II(A), a 30-kilowatt laser-based DEW, demonstrated its precision and lethality by engaging and defeating a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a swarm of drones.
The system inflicted structural damage and disabled surveillance sensors on the targets, proving its effectiveness against modern asymmetric threats like drone swarms. This achievement underscores India’s growing prowess in directed-energy weapons, a critical component of next-generation warfare.
A Leap in Defense Technology
Directed Energy Weapons, which use concentrated electromagnetic energy such as lasers to incapacitate or destroy targets, offer several advantages over traditional kinetic weapons. They operate at the speed of light, are unaffected by gravity or atmospheric drag, and provide pinpoint accuracy with minimal collateral damage.
The MK-II(A)’s ability to counter multiple drones simultaneously highlights its potential as a cost-effective and versatile solution for air defense.
The successful trial positions India alongside nations like the United States, China, and Russia, which have demonstrated similar high-power laser capabilities. DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat noted, “This demonstration is a testament to India’s technological advancements and our commitment to strengthening national security through indigenous innovation.”
The Role of CHESS & Collaborative Efforts
The development of the MK-II(A) is a result of years of research by CHESS, Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories, including the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), and Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL).
Indian industries and academic institutions also played a pivotal role, showcasing the synergy between research, development, and manufacturing.
The system’s ability to engage targets at long range, thwart multiple drone attacks, and destroy enemy surveillance equipment was validated during the Kurnool demonstration. Its lightning-fast engagement and precision make it a potent counter-drone system, addressing the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare.
Strategic Implications
The proliferation of drones and unmanned aerial systems has reshaped military strategies worldwide, necessitating advanced countermeasures.
The MK-II(A) offers a low-cost alternative to traditional missile-based defenses, with the cost of firing the laser for a few seconds equivalent to just a few liters of fuel. This makes it an attractive option for layered air defense, capable of neutralizing drones, missiles, and other small projectiles.
India’s entry into the elite club of nations with high-power laser DEW systems enhances its strategic deterrence and self-reliance in defense technology. The MK-II(A) is expected to be integrated into the Indian Armed Forces, bolstering their ability to counter multi-domain threats.
Looking Ahead
The successful demonstration is part of DRDO’s broader vision to develop a range of directed-energy weapons, including systems like the Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA) II, a 100-kilowatt lightweight DEW for land, sea, and air platforms. Ongoing research into high-energy microwaves and electromagnetic pulse systems further underscores India’s ambition to achieve “Star Wars”-like capabilities.
As the global race for directed-energy weapons intensifies, India’s progress in this domain signals its readiness to meet emerging challenges. The MK-II(A) demonstration not only strengthens national security but also positions India as a leader in modern warfare technologies.
With this achievement, India has taken a bold step toward shaping the future of defense, proving that its scientific and technological capabilities can rival those of the world’s most advanced nations. The skies over Kurnool bore witness to a triumph that will resonate far beyond India’s borders.
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