India has made a powerful leap in defense technology with the successful trial of its Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). Tested at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, this homegrown weapon impressed with its speed, accuracy, and power—destroying targets within seconds. Joining the big leagues With this successful test, India now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with military giants like the US, China, and Russia. The DEW uses a 30-kilowatt high-energy laser beam to shoot down fixed-wing drones, drone swarms, and enemy surveillance systems, making it a game-changing addition to India’s defense arsenal. What makes Mk-II(A) so special? Developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad—with support from labs like LRDE, IRDE, and DLRL, as well as Indian academia and industries—the DEW system demonstrated its full capabilities by: Its lightning-fast response, pinpoint accuracy, and devastating power mark it as India’s most advanced anti-drone system yet. How does the laser weapon work? The weapon uses its built-in Electro-Optic (EO) system or radar to detect incoming threats. Once locked on, it unleashes a laser beam at the speed of light, slicing through targets and causing structural failure—especially effective if aimed at explosive parts. This technology reduces dependence on traditional ammunition and minimizes collateral damage. Cost-effective and combat-ready One of DEW’s biggest advantages? Affordability. Firing the laser for a few seconds costs as little as a couple of litres of petrol—making it a smart and sustainable solution to tackle low-cost drone threats.
