The view of laser weapons developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to shoot down an aerial target in Kurnur on April 13, 2025. Image source: ANI
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced a successful test of the MK-II (A) laser-guided weapon (DEW) system on April 13, 2025 (April 13, 2025), “mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles.” Drdo said in a statement that it successfully brought India into an exclusive club with high-power laser paint systems.
“Over its entire capability, through long-range engagement of fixed-wing drones, foiling multiple drone attacks and sabotaging enemy surveillance sensors and antennas, the MK-II (A) dew system, which is designed and developed locally throughout its capability,” the statement said. “The lightning speed involved, the accuracy and lethality of the targets delivered in seconds make it the most effective anti-drone system.”
Drdo said the requirement to offset cost-effective defense solutions for low-cost drone attacks is to push global military organizations to adopt dew. “The cost of launching a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a few liters of gasoline. So it has the potential to be a long-term and low-cost alternative to defeating the target.”
Cutting-edge weapons
The statement details the function of the system, once detected by radar or its built-in electrical optical system (EO) system, that the laser coating can engage the target at the speed of light and use a strong laser beam to pass through the target, resulting in structural failures or if the warhead is targeted to the target. Drdo said this cutting-edge weapon has the potential to revolutionize the war space by reducing reliance on expensive ammunition while reducing the risk of collateral damage.
The trial was conducted in the Kurnur National Open Air Series in Andhra Pradesh. The system was developed by the DRDO High Energy Systems and Science Center (chess), Hyderabad, as well as other laboratories, academic institutions and the Indian industry.
Noting that the proliferation of unmanned aviation systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone clusters, as asymmetric threats are driving the need for directed energy weapons using anti-UAS and anti-unloading capabilities, DRDO said that due to its ease of operation and cost-effectiveness, dew will soon replace traditional dynamical weapons and missile defense systems.
publishing – April 13, 2025 08:45 pm ist
