DRDO Plans to Develop 300kW 'Surya' Directed-Energy Laser Weapon with 20km Range by 2027, Designed to Neutralize Modern Aerial Threats

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced an ambitious project to create and test a powerful 300-kilowatt (kW) laser weapon system, named "Surya," by 2027. This development represents a significant advancement in India's efforts to acquire sophisticated next-generation defence technologies.

The proposed system is a type of Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), which uses concentrated energy, like high-power lasers, for military purposes. Such weapons offer advantages like high precision, light-speed engagement, and the potential for scalable power.

The Surya system aims to effectively counter various aerial threats, including drones and potentially missiles, up to a distance of 20 kilometres. This places India among a select group of nations actively developing advanced directed energy capabilities for future warfare scenarios.

According to DRDO, the initial 300kW laser will serve as a foundational module. The system is being designed with a modular approach, meaning its power output could potentially be increased significantly in the future, possibly reaching megawatt levels, by combining multiple units. This adaptability ensures the Surya weapon can be upgraded over time to meet new operational needs and counter evolving threats.

The success of the Surya project relies on several cutting-edge technologies, many developed within India to promote self-reliance in critical defence areas. Key components include:

• Advanced Laser Generation: Technologies like Centrifugal Bubble SOG are used to create a stable, high-quality laser beam essential for performance.
• Efficient Power Management: Systems incorporating supersonic nozzles and sealed exhausts help maintain the laser's efficiency and stable power output.
• Precision Targeting: Sophisticated sensors and tracking systems are designed to detect and lock onto targets up to 20km away.
• Long-Range Beam Delivery: A large 60 cm aperture beam director helps maintain the laser's focus and intensity over long distances.
• Atmospheric Compensation: An adaptive control system adjusts the laser beam in real-time to counteract distortions caused by atmospheric conditions like turbulence, ensuring accuracy.
• Integrated Control: A central Beam Control System manages aiming, tracking, and energy delivery for maximum effectiveness, even against moving targets.

Together, these advanced components aim to create a versatile and precise weapon system capable of swiftly engaging a wide range of modern aerial threats.

DRDO outlines the Surya DEW as a ground-based, transportable system. Key specifications include a continuous wave 300kW laser, high optical quality (rated less than 2 MQ) for a focused beam, and the 60 cm output aperture for range.

The entire system is planned to be mounted on two 8x8 vehicles, with a separate vehicle housing the command and control station, allowing for operational flexibility in various defence scenarios.

The development of Surya signifies India's commitment to advancing its indigenous defence capabilities with futuristic weapon systems.

 

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[Ronin]

Been hearing that for several years, what happened to KALI.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Good concept. Develop it then fast bring it to media.

 

[coke]

300kw and just 20km range?😔

 

[Pankaj]

It's a good development by DRDO. Out of several giant PSUs, only DRDO is working well, keeping in mind the larger interest of the nation. Now, two technologies are very important; the first one is hypersonic missile and the second one is directed energy weapon. All the developed and developing countries of the world are focusing on acquiring these two technologies as soon as possible.

 

[Biju UK]

DRDO has done so many ground breaking announcements that it is a surprise we have ground to stand on.

 

[Leo red]

No, this weapon already comes with lots of problems. We need generators, and that too heavy ones. Also, lots of maintenance costs. Better to use fire-and-forget missiles. For drones, of course, there is some edge, but useless against swarm drones. Electronic jamming is an option. In cities and airports, this may be one option without refill. But Israel too uses rockets against rockets. And finally, many radars are still 2-dimensional in India, so this weapon is useless without 3-dimensional radars.

 

[Shanker]

No, this weapon already comes with lots of problems. We need generators, and that too heavy ones. Also, lots of maintenance costs. Better to use fire-and-forget missiles. For drones, of course, there is some edge, but useless against swarm drones. Electronic jamming is an option. In cities and airports, this may be one option without refill. But Israel too uses rockets against rockets. And finally, many radars are still 2-dimensional in India, so this weapon is useless without 3-dimensional radars.

Hey, come on. This is just a beginning. Nothing is perfect in its first or second version.DRDO has broken a new path. So, be patient until big things come through. Meanwhile, related fields will also evolve along!🙂

 

[Raakbas]

Russia is already using it in the Ukraine war. They can bring down satellites too.

 

[Shanker]

Good concept. Develop it then fast bring it to media.

Do you think that DRDO blows its own trumpet too much and too early?

 

[R. Singh]

First DRDO should develop Iron dome based laser beam weapon system for iar defence then Laser weapon pod fro fighter jets and DEW mounted on front line warships !

 

[Vipul Kumar]

300kw and just 20km range?😔

If you consider atmospheric reflection and refraction and energy loss due to dust and atmospheric particles, then 20 km is very nice, and don't worry, DRDO is also developing a 1 megawatt laser with a 50 km range for ballistic and hypersonic missile interception capabilities.

 

[Aravind]

Russia is already using it in the Ukraine war. They can bring down satellites too.

Russia just showcased a laser weapon and claimed it can down satellite as well but it's not compact proven just theoretically they claiming if so then why ukrain mini drones killing russian soldiers now also?

 

[Sandeep]

This is a very good start and we should definitely start to install them at critical bases, infrastructure or major cities. The range is quite short but the laser is very accurate which will help. It doesn’t say how long it will take to destroy the incoming missile, drones or jet which is also very important. Another issue is that this laser requires a lot of energy to fire and we have to make sure that it has enough power throughout the national power grid without the fear of drawing power away from cities or towns.

 

[sishir1]

Can we not try something for our helicopters? That would be mind-blowing for our armed forces.

 

[Banjo Strings]

Been hearing that for several years, what happened to KALI.

Kali appears to have transformed to Surya😄

 

[Imaxxx]

DRDO has done so many ground breaking announcements that it is a surprise we have ground to stand on.

😅😅