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.
