India's High Trajectory on DEW (Directed Energy Weapons) and Its Global Impact

A directed-energy weapon (DEW) is a high-energy system that is based on the direct application of a focused hypersonic electromagnetic beam generated by lasers, microwaves, particle beams, or ultrasonic sources.

- MAJ. GEN. J.K.S. PARIHAR

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced the successful trial of a Mk-II(A) 30 kW Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system on 13 April 2025 at the National Open-Air Range (NOAR), Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The Mk-II(A) laser weapon has demonstrated its precision to engage targets like fixed-wing drones, missiles, helicopters, swarm drones, and smaller projectiles at long range, at the speed of light, making them disintegrated and dysfunctional by piercing the laser beam into the target, leading to counter-drone attacks and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.

Till now, the armed forces and paramilitary forces have been using IDD&IS systems, with 2-kilowatt lasers on the Line of Control (LOC) to counter small drones within the range of merely 1 to 2 km. The successful trial of the laser DEW is a testament to India's capabilities to develop and operate DEW, the weapon system of the future and space war, thereby attaining the elite position along with the US, Russia, and China, to have the capabilities of developing and operationally deploying such advanced systems.

In addition to the US, Russia, China, and India, the militaries of prominent countries like France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, and Pakistan are also developing DEW systems. Whereas countries like North Korea, Iran, and Turkey may have a DEW system in their setup.

The concept of the Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) was conceived by the US during the regime of President Reagan as a strategic defence initiative (nicknamed the Star Wars Programme). DEW, a futuristic weaponry technology, can be independent of the environment, all-weather, absolutely stealth, and should be able to function in space as a counter-defensive or assault system to ensure tactical and strategic superiority in space.