India joins elite group with successful test of DRDO's Laser-DEW System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a test of the Mk-II(A) Laser-Guided Energy Weapon (DEW) system at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool. This achievement places India among the few nations with high-power laser-DEW technology.

The MK-II(A)-DEW system, which was entirely designed and developed domestically, successfully showcased all its features during the trial. This involved neutralizing remotely approaching fixed-wing drones, preventing simultaneous attacks by multiple drones, and destroying enemy surveillance systems and antennas.

The Laser-DEW stands out for its incredible speed, precision, and capability to hit targets within seconds, establishing it as the most effective counter-drone system. This system has been created by DRDO's High Energy Systems and Sciences Centre in Hyderabad, with additional contributions from LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, various educational institutions, and Indian industries.

The LSER-DEW system detects the target using its radar or built-in Electro Optic (EO) system and then fires a powerful laser beam at the speed of light, which tears apart the target and dismantles its structure. If the target contains a warhead, the effect can be even more devastating.

Due to the rising threats from drones and drone swarms, the demand for such weapons is escalating quickly. Laser-DEWs are taking the place of traditional weapons and missile defense systems because they are more cost-effective, efficient, and simpler to use. The cost of firing them is comparable to the price of just a few liters of petrol for a few seconds, making them a sustainable and economical choice in the long run.