Context:
India successfully tested the Mk-II(A) LASER-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, becoming the fourth nation with advanced LASER weapon capabilities after the US, China, and Russia.
Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System
- High-powered laser weapon using directed energy to neutralize aerial threats like drones, missiles, and sensors.
- They disable or destroy targets using concentrated electromagnetic or particle energy instead of kinetic force.
- Developed by Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), a DRDO lab in Hyderabad, in collaboration with DRDO entities, industry, and academia.
- Types: High Energy LASER (HELs), High Power Microwave Weapons (HPMs), millimeter waves, Particle beams weapons.
- Purpose: Provides cost-effective, rapid-response air defense with minimal collateral damage.
How the Laser-DEW Works?
- Detection: Tracks targets via radar or inbuilt Electro-Optic (EO) system.
- Engagement: A focused laser beam travels at light speed, slicing through the target’s surface.
- Uses a high-energy 30-kilowatt LASER beam to cut through the target, causing structural failure.
- Lightning-fast engagement and precision lethality within seconds.
Key Features
- Power Output: 30-kilowatt laser capable of targeting fixed-wing UAVs and swarming drones.
- Speed: Instantaneous engagement—destroys target in seconds.
- Cost-Effective: Firing cost = few liters of petrol, significantly cheaper than conventional missiles.
- Mobility: Vehicle-mounted, adaptable for land and future air/space platforms.
Significance of DEW System
- Reduces ammunition reliance and lowers collateral damage.
- Disables electronic systems like radars and communications.
- Versatile defense: Used in air defense, missile interception, and anti-satellite operations.
- Crowd control & deterrence: Low-power lasers counter threats like pirates.
- Strategic Edge: India joins US, China, and Russia in laser-DEW capabilities.
- Enhances missile & drone defense cost-effectively.
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense technology.
Source: Live mint
Previous Year Question
What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea
Answer: (c)