DURGA II Laser Weapon

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently requested $100 million from the Ministry of Defence to develop DURGA II, a lightweight directed energy weapon (DEW).

1. This 100-kilowatt DEW is intended to provide cutting-edge technology to the Indian armed forces, enabling them to neutralise various threats, including drones, missiles, and artillery shells.
2. It is a lightweight weapon that can be used effectively by the armed forces.

What are Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs)?

1. About:
   1. Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) emit highly focused energy, like lasers, microwaves, or particle beams, to incapacitate or destroy targets.
   2. DEWs differ from traditional firearms or explosives, which rely on kinetic energy (physical impact), as they utilize directed energy to achieve their effects.
2. Types:

   1. Laser Weapons: These weapons utilize a tightly focused beam of coherent light to heat up and damage targets.

   2. Microwave Weapons: Microwave weapons deploy electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to interfere with or damage electronic systems, including computers, sensors, and communication devices.

   3. Particle Beam Weapons: These weapons accelerate either charged or neutral particles to high speeds and direct them towards the target.  The intended damage is caused by the transfer of kinetic energy or through ionization effects.

3. Advantages:
   1. Directed energy weapons (DEWs) offer precision targeting, rapid engagement, reduced collateral damage, and potentially lower costs per shot compared to traditional weapons.
   2. DEWs are believed to be the only effective countermeasure against hypersonic missiles, which are virtually unstoppable with current technology.
   3. DEWs have applications in military defense, space exploration, and law enforcement.
   4. DEWs transmit lethal force at the speed of light, making them extremely precise.
   5. DEWs are not affected by gravity or atmospheric drag, which enhances their precision and effectiveness.
4. Challenges:

   1. Limited Range: DEWs have a limited reach, and their impact decreases as the distance between the target and the weapon increases.

   2. Costly Investment: Developing and producing DEWs can be expensive, and in some cases, the cost may not justify their effectiveness.

   3. Countermeasures: Using reflective materials can reduce the effectiveness of DEWs.

   4. Weather Conditions: Atmospheric factors like fog, rain, and dust can impact the effectiveness of DEWs.

   5. Arms Race Concerns: The development of DEWs may trigger an arms race among nations, similar to the ongoing nuclear race.

5. Significance for India:

   1. The integration of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) into the defence industry has the potential to revolutionize warfare. It will enable India to create advanced platforms, weapons, sensors, and networks crucial for prevailing in future conflicts.
   2. DEWs can serve as a deterrent against hostile nations like China and Pakistan by enhancing India's defence capabilities.
   3. Several countries, including Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, and China, are actively developing DEWs or Laser Directed Energy Weapons.
   4. In the past, the US accused Cuba of carrying out sonic attacks known as "Havana Syndrome."

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