DRDO IS DEVELOPING Laser cannon to bring down drones and missiles

DRDO  has confirmed that it is developing a HMV-mounted laser weapon system for detecting, tracking and then destroying UAVs which are upto a distance of 5km.

According to sources preliminary system design architecture and technology  gaps are identified and efforts have been made to fast-track development with the help of international collaborations.

Vinayak Shetty, an Defence Expert said that the 100 kw Class Directed Energy Laser Weapon System  will be a very powerful laser which DRDO is developing and will have ability to take down much more than UAV’s. He further said that Lockheed Martin was awarded a similar contract only last year by U.S. Army to design, built and test a 60-kilowatt electric laser to be integrated on a truck and tested. The system will have ability to destroy rockets, artillery, mortars and unmanned aerial threats. 

            Recently Chinese developed a powerful anti-drone laser to be used in urban areas. He further added that 10 kilowatt laser is sufficient to target mini-UAV copters and hand launched drones which can be easily used by terrorists for attack purpose. Chinese developed laser has a range of 2Km and a 50 meter altitude.

            In near future, that is within 5-10 years US Navy is going to field Laser Weapons System (LAWS), a 15-50kw laser on board USS Ponce which is an Austin class amphibious transport dock of United States. This laser will have ability to target drones and enemy missiles.