SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant leap forward for India’s defense capabilities, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat has confirmed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEWs) that can be mounted on airborne platforms. This ambitious initiative will bolster India’s ability to neutralize aerial threats with pinpoint precision using energy-based technologies.
This confirmation aligns with earlier revelations by idrw.org, which reported that DRDO is working on megawatt (MW)-class LDEWs intended for integration onto larger aircraft platforms such as the Airbus A320, with the initial focus on developing kilowatt (kW)-class systems for rotary and smaller fixed-wing platforms.
The LDEW program is structured in phases, progressing from lower power tactical systems to strategic high-power variants. Here’s a breakdown of the planned development roadmap:
Phase 1: Kilowatt-Class Laser Systems
- Application: Designed for helicopters and UAVs
- Objective: Target soft-skinned aerial and ground threats, such as drones and unarmored vehicles
- Key Features: Compact form factor, limited energy requirement, scalable modules
This phase will serve as a technological foundation to mature targeting systems, beam stabilization, atmospheric compensation, and thermal management in airborne environments.
Phase 2: Fighter Jet-Compatible LDEWs
- Application: Integration into 4.5 and 5th-generation fighter aircraft
- Power Output: Likely 100–300 kW range
- Targets: Enemy aircraft, incoming missiles, and ground-based assets
Adapting LDEWs to fighter jets will require miniaturization of power and cooling subsystems, beam control systems compatible with high-speed flight, and combat environment ruggedization.
Phase 3: Megawatt-Class Strategic LDEWs
- Application: Mounting on large platforms like A320-based airborne systems
- Strategic Role: Capability to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles (including ICBMs) during boost or mid-course phase
- Key Objective: Establishing a credible missile defense shield using speed-of-light engagement systems
These advantages make airborne LDEWs attractive for modern warfare scenarios including drone swarms, cruise missile defense, and space-based threats.
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