Technology Tested
System: Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)
Developer: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
Trial Venue: National Open Air Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
System Capabilities
Engages targets at long range
Effective against missiles, drones, and surveillance sensors
Uses intense laser beam to cut through targets
Targets suffer structural failure or destruction upon laser impact
Key Features
Electro Optic (EO) system integrated for automatic target detection
Engagement speed: Near instantaneous
Cost efficiency: A few seconds of operation = cost of a few litres of petrol
Collaterally safer: Reduces damage to surrounding structures
Low-cost alternative to traditional missiles/ammunition
Strategic Importance
A. Indigenous Defence Capability
Puts India in the elite group of nations with DEW capabilities
Showcases Make in India defence prowess
B. Drone Warfare
Effective tool for counter-drone operations, increasingly vital in asymmetric warfare
C. Future Warfare
Part of emerging non-kinetic weapons domain
Ideal for precision targeting and urban conflict scenarios
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