INDIA TESTS STAR WARS ERA

WEAPONS | Video of DRDO’s Laser Blast Goes Viral

What Happened Recently?

Recently, India made headlines by testing a laser-based directed energy weapon that was used to shoot down a Chinese-origin Pakistani drone. Developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), this new system marks a significant step in India’s futuristic military capabilities.

What Are Laser Weapons?

If you’ve ever seen Star Wars, you’re probably familiar with glowing laser swords and guns. While those are fictional, real-world laser weapons are now catching up. These weapons use concentrated beams of light (laser energy) to damage or destroy targets. They’re silent, precise, and incredibly fast—moving at the speed of light.

India’s Laser Weapon Test

India tested a vehicle-mounted, 30-kilowatt class laser weapon capable of targeting and destroying drones from a distance of around 5 kilometers. While the range may seem limited, the cost-effectiveness and speed of these weapons make them extremely useful for specific battlefield situations.

Countries Already Using Laser Weapons

India is not the first country to develop such technology. Here’s a timeline of global progress:

China (2006): Claimed possession of laser weapon systems.
Germany (2023): Tested its own laser weapons.
Israel (2024): Showcased Iron Beam, used to intercept incoming rockets.
Japan (2024): Introduced a 10-kilowatt-class combat truck with laser capabilities.
Russia, South Korea, and UK have all developed and demonstrated laser weapons.

The UK’s DragonFire laser, for instance, has been praised for its $3 per shot cost, making it much cheaper than traditional missile-based systems.

Cost Advantage of Laser Weapons

Traditional defense systems require expensive ammunition or missiles. For instance, shooting down a drone with a missile could cost thousands of dollars. In contrast, laser weapons consume minimal electricity, making each strike extremely cost-efficient. The UK claims $3 per laser shot—a game-changer for battlefield economics.

Challenges and Limitations

However, laser weapons are not without challenges:

Limited Range: Current Indian system has a range of only 5 km. In comparison:
- Akash Air Defense System: ~25 km
- S-400 Missile System: Up to 400 km
Weather Dependency: Cloud, rain, or dust can affect laser accuracy.
Power Supply Needs: High-energy lasers need significant power infrastructure.

India’s Development Agency: CHESS

India’s directed energy weapons (DEWs) are developed primarily by CHESS (Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences) in Hyderabad. They’re working on:

Laser Weapons
Microwave Systems
Particle Beam and Sound-based Weapons

These are very different from myth-based systems like the so-called “Kali Weapon”—this is science, not science fiction.

The Road Ahead

Although this is just the beginning, India’s entry into the laser warfare domain is promising. Over time, we can expect:

Longer range systems
Miniaturization to fit on ships and aircraft
Improved optics and targeting systems

This could lead to a revolution in defense strategies, especially in short-term aerial threats like drones and loitering munitions.

Real-Life Use: Israel’s Iron Beam

To visualize how useful lasers can be, take Israel’s Iron Beam, which in 2023, shot down incoming missiles using laser beams—saving costs and lives. Visuals from these tests show glowing lines of light intercepting dangerous projectiles mid-air—real-life Star Wars!

Final Thought: Presentation Matters Too

One criticism that arose was about DRDO’s video quality and presentation. Compared to how the US or UK presents their military tech to the world—India still has room for improvement in soft power projection. Better visuals, better communication, and world-class presentation can enhance India’s defense image globally.

Quiz Time

Here’s a question for you:
The world’s first robot boxing match (similar to human-level hype) is going to happen soon. Which country is going to host it?

Options:
A) India
B) USA
C) Japan
D) China

Comment your answer below!
Right answers will receive a heart from us so that others know the correct option too.