New Delhi, 13 April (HS): DRDO successfully demonstrated its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones using a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system on Sunday. With this, India has joined the select list of countries, including the USA, China, and Russia, that have exhibited such capabilities. The 30-kilowatt laser weapon system is designed to combat aerial threats such as drones and helicopters within a range of 5 kilometers.

After this successful test, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat stated that previously, the USA, Russia, and China had demonstrated such capabilities. Israel is also working on similar capabilities. We are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system. It has advanced electronic warfare capabilities, including communication and satellite signal jamming. This versatile weapon system can carry out ground and ship-based missions, enhancing India’s defense preparedness in various sectors.

This system is equipped with 360-degree electro-optical and infrared sensors for precise targeting and can be rapidly deployed through air, rail, road, or sea. He mentioned that DRDO is also developing more powerful systems like the 300-kilowatt ‘Surya’ laser weapon, which has an operational range of 20 kilometers. This system is designed to target high-speed aerial threats, such as missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), further strengthening India’s position in modern warfare. These advancements align with global trends emphasizing high-power lasers for missile defense and counter-drone operations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar