Why in news?
Directed energy weapons (DEWs), such as high-powered lasers and microwaves, are advancing rapidly in military applications worldwide, particularly for countering drones and missiles. Recent developments highlight progress by the US, India, UK, and China, driven by escalating drone threats. These systems offer precision, low cost per shot, and unlimited "ammunition" compared to traditional munitions.​
About Directed Energy Weapons
- Definition: DEWs deliver damage through highly focused energy (electromagnetic, particle, or acoustic) rather than kinetic force.
- Forms:
- Lasers: Burn or blind sensors, disable drones or missiles.
- Microwaves: Disrupt electronics and communication systems.
- Particle beams: Hypothetical systems that could damage matter at a subatomic level.
- Acoustic weapons: Use sound waves to incapacitate personnel.
Advantages
- DEWs ignore gravity for flat trajectories, operate silently if invisible, and scale effects from non-lethal to lethal.
- Their "magazine" is energy, enabling near-endless firing at fractions of kinetic interceptor costs.​
They counter hypersonics, drone swarms, and boats effectively, with U.S. DOD investing $1 billion yearly.​​
Global Development
- DRDO tested the 30kW Mk-II(A) laser DEW in April 2025 at Kurnool, neutralizing fixed-wing and swarm drones, with plans to transfer technology to private firms.
- Apollo secured DRDO approval in December 2025 for DEW subsystems to boost indigenous capabilities under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Ongoing projects include the 300kW Surya laser (20km range) by 2027 and 50kW systems for Navy warships against drone swarms.
- United States: Pentagon, DARPA, Air Force, Army, and Navy labs are investing heavily in DEWs, with operational systems expected in the late 2020s.
- Other Nations: China, Russia, and Israel are also advancing DEW research for missile defense and anti-drone warfare.
Risks & Limitations
- Operational Constraints: Weather and line-of-sight reduce effectiveness.
- Ethical Concerns: Potential misuse for crowd control or surveillance.
- Technology Gaps: Particle beam weapons remain largely theoretical.
- Strategic Impact: Could alter global military balance by making missile defense cheaper and faster.
Download Pdf
