DRDO successfully conducted a trial of a Mk-II(A) LASER- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

• India became the fourth country in the world, after the US, China, and Russia who possess advanced LASER weapon capabilities.

About Mk-II(A) DEW System

• Developed by: Indigenously by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad.
• Mechanism: Once detected by a radar or inbuilt Electro Optic (EO) system, it engages targets and uses an intense high-energy 30 kilowatt LASER Beam to cut through the target, leading to structural failure.
• Characteristics: Lightning speed of engagement, precision, and can have lethality delivered to the target within a few seconds. 

Significance of DEW System

• Potential to revolutionize the battle space economics: It can reduce the reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage.
• Counter-electronic capabilities: High-power microwave (HPM) weapons can disable electronic systems, radars, and communications without physical destruction.
• For offensive and defensive warfare: Such as for tactical air defence, anti-ballistic missile defence, and anti-satellite (A-SAT) applications, Low-power lasers for crowd control and deterring pirates.