- Views: 368
- Replies: 4
As the threat of low-cost aerial attacks and drone swarms escalates globally, India is fundamentally upgrading its air defence capabilities.
Spearheading this shift is the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is aggressively advancing its Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) programmes, notably the DURGA II and the Mk-II(A) systems.
The introduction of laser weaponry drastically alters the financial dynamics of battlefield defence.
In conventional scenarios, militaries are forced to launch highly expensive interceptor missiles to shoot down incredibly cheap unmanned aerial vehicles.
This creates an unsustainable financial burden for the defending force, as traditional interceptors can cost tens of thousands of dollars per launch against drones worth only a fraction of that price.
Laser systems completely bypass this economic trap by utilising concentrated electrical energy instead of costly physical ammunition.
Consequently, the operational expense of intercepting a target with a laser is remarkably low, equated by defence experts to the cost of just a few litres of fuel.
This "near-zero cost per shot" is a strategic game-changer when defending against massive drone swarms where multiple targets must be engaged at once.
Furthermore, unlike traditional missile launchers that inevitably run out of ammunition, a laser weapon boasts a virtually bottomless magazine, restricted only by the availability of a continuous generator or battery power supply.
DURGA-II: The Heavyweight Strategic Laser
At the forefront of India's strategic DEW initiatives is the DURGA-II (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array) project.Designed to generate a formidable output exceeding 100 kilowatts, this heavy-duty laser is intended for future deployment across land, sea, and air platforms.
Its immense power allows it to rapidly heat and physically destroy the structural integrity and internal electronics of substantial threats, including:
- Incoming drones and UAVs
- Cruise missiles
- Helicopters
- Vital aircraft sensors and external components
Mk-II(A) Sahastra Shakti: The Tactical Swarm Killer
For more immediate, tactical battlefield requirements, DRDO has developed the Mk-II(A) laser system, also known under the Sahastra Shakti programme.Operating at a 30-kilowatt capacity via combined laser beams, this vehicle-mounted weapon is tailor-made to eradicate small UAVs, drone swarms, and low-flying threats.
In a major milestone in April 2025, the system was successfully field-tested at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
During these trials, the Mk-II(A) proved its capability by tracking and neutralizing multiple fixed-wing drones and disabling their surveillance sensors.
This successful demonstration officially placed India in an exclusive global club of nations with proven high-power DEW capabilities, alongside the US, Russia, China, and Israel.
The Speed of Light Advantage
Beyond economics, lasers offer unmatched tactical advantages by engaging targets at the speed of light.Unlike conventional missiles that require travel time, a laser beam strikes its target the moment it is locked on via radar or electro-optic sensors, leaving the enemy with virtually zero reaction time.
This instantaneous strike capability, combined with pinpoint accuracy, ensures that threats can be selectively eliminated cleanly without causing widespread explosive collateral damage or falling debris.
The Future of Air Defence
As the modern battlefield becomes increasingly saturated with inexpensive, autonomous aerial threats, directed energy weapons are shifting from science fiction to an absolute military necessity.The successful maturation of indigenous systems like DURGA-II and Mk-II(A) signifies a pivotal moment for Indian national security.
By integrating these scalable and sustainable laser weapons into its broader layered air defence network, India is ensuring it can neutralize tomorrow's mass aerial threats without depleting critical and expensive missile reserves.
