Context-
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) have been a topic of interest for decades, but recent advancements suggest that these technologies are nearing operational maturity. With the rapid development of autonomous vehicles and advanced weaponry, the need for effective countermeasures has never been more pressing. DEWs, which harness concentrated electromagnetic energy to incapacitate or destroy targets, are emerging as a viable solution.
What Are Directed Energy Weapons?
Directed Energy Weapons use concentrated electromagnetic energy instead of kinetic energy, which is common in traditional weapons like guns and missiles. The energy is focused on a target to incapacitate, damage, or destroy it. According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), DEWs can be classified based on the part of the electromagnetic spectrum they utilize. The two most prominent types are:
● High-Energy Lasers (HELs): These lasers can engage fast-moving targets at greater ranges but typically focus on a single target at a time.
● High-Powered Microwaves (HPMs): These systems affect a broader area and can simultaneously engage multiple targets, making them suitable for disabling electronics and communication systems, as well as countering drone swarms and missile salvos.
Other DEWs, such as particle beams, are still in the developmental phase and have not yet achieved operational status.
Historical Context and Development
The concept of DEWs dates back several decades. During the 1980s, the U.S. initiated the Strategic Defense Initiative, also known as “Star Wars,” which aimed to develop powerful laser weapons to defend against Soviet missiles. Despite its ambitious goals, the initiative was costly and did not achieve its objectives. However, it laid the groundwork for future DEW research.
In recent years, DEW technology has seen significant advancements, particularly with increased funding and research. The U.S. Department of Defense has been investing heavily in DEWs, spending over $1 billion annually on projects related to HELs and HPMs.
Current DEW Systems and Capabilities
The U.S. has made substantial progress in deploying DEW systems, although their numbers remain limited. Key systems include:
● Optical Dazzling Interdictor (ODIN): A 30 kW solid-state laser system used by the U.S. Navy to neutralize sensors on unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
● High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS): A 60+ kW laser system capable of both dazzling and destroying UAS.
● Solid State Laser – Technology Maturation: A 150 kW laser system tested by the U.S. Navy that successfully disabled a UAS in 2019.
● Compact Laser Weapon System (CLaWS): A vehicle-mounted system with up to 10 kW power designed for countering small UAS.
● High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS): A 300 kW mobile laser system deployed by the U.S. Air Force for air defense against UAS.
● Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder (THOR): An HPM system used by the U.S. Air Force to disable small UAS and drone swarms.
Despite these advancements, the total number of DEW systems currently deployed is relatively small, including eight ODINs, one HELIOS, five CLaWS, three HELWS, and one THOR.
China has been actively developing DEWs since the late 1980s. Its notable achievements include:
● LW-30: A 30 kW road-mobile HEL designed to counter UAS and precision-guided weapons.
● Airborne HEL Pod: Reports suggest China is working on an airborne HEL pod and may possess DEWs capable of targeting low-orbit space-based sensors and non-optical satellites by the mid-to-late 2020s.
Russia has a long history of DEW research, focusing particularly on HELs. Key developments include:
● Peresvet: A ground-based HEL reportedly deployed with mobile intercontinental ballistic missile units. It is believed to be used for dazzling satellites and providing point defense against UAS. Russia is also working to increase Peresvet’s power and deploy it on military aircraft.
● Potential Development of HPMs: Russia is rumored to be developing HPM systems and additional HELs for antisatellite missions.
Several other nations are advancing their DEW capabilities:
● United Kingdom: The UK successfully fired its DragonFire HEL in January 2024, following a £100 million investment.
● Israel: In response to recent threats, Israel is expediting the development of its Iron Beam laser weapon to complement its Iron Dome missile defense system.
● France, Turkey, Iran, South Korea, and Japan: These countries are also investing in their DEW programs, reflecting a growing global interest in this technology.
India has been quietly advancing its DEW capabilities. Though there has been no official declaration, multiple sources confirm that DEWs are part of India’s defense strategy. Key developments include:
● Tri-Netra Project: Initiated by the Delhi-based Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), this project demonstrated a 100 kW laser beam capable of disintegrating a steel-plated target in 2001.
● DRDO and CHESS: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) are spearheading DEW development. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is involved in manufacturing and supplying these weapons, including a 2 kW laser-based DEW for countering drones and UAS.
● Classified Programs: India is believed to have inducted classified DEW systems like KALI (Kilo Ampere Linear Injector) and DURGA (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array) into its armed forces.
The advancement of Directed Energy Weapons marks a significant shift in modern defense strategies. As autonomous vehicles and advanced weaponry become more prevalent, the need for effective countermeasures grows. DEWs, with their ability to incapacitate or destroy targets using concentrated electromagnetic energy, offer a promising solution. While progress has been gradual, recent developments indicate that DEWs are approaching operational maturity. Countries like the U.S., China, and Russia are leading in this field, and India is also making notable strides. As global defense strategies evolve, DEWs are likely to play an increasingly crucial role in countering advanced threats and securing national interests.
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Probable Questions for UPSC Mains Exam- 1. What are the primary types of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) currently being developed, and how do their applications and capabilities differ? (10 Marks,150 Words) 2. How have recent advancements in Directed Energy Weapons impacted global defense strategies, and what are some notable examples of DEW systems deployed by major military powers? (15 Marks, 250 Words) |
Source- ORF
