India Joins Star Wars! DRDO Propels India into Elite Defense club

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked a historic milestone today, as its Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) conducted a flawless field demonstration of the land-based, vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A) at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The 30-kilowatt system decimated a fixed-wing UAV and swarm drones, causing severe structural damage and neutralizing surveillance sensors with surgical accuracy, cementing India’s prowess in next-generation warfare.

This achievement places India among an exclusive cadre of global powers—alongside the US, China, and Russia—capable of wielding high-power laser DEW systems.

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The MK-II(A) demonstrated its lethality within a 5-kilometer range, not only destroying targets but also disrupting communication links, showcasing its potential to counter diverse aerial threats. Its adaptability for ground, naval, and possibly air platforms signals a transformative leap for India’s defense strategy, enhancing multi-domain operations.

Evolving from DRDO’s earlier projects like DURGA II and Aditya, the MK-II(A) reflects years of relentless innovation. With this trial paving the way for production, India is poised to integrate cutting-edge laser technology into its arsenal, strengthening its ability to tackle drones, missiles, and other modern threats.

Defense experts hailed the success as a game-changer, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy. As the nation celebrates this technological triumph, the DEW’s deployment promises to redefine battlefield dynamics, securing India’s stature as a formidable force in global defense.

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