SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to place orders for the acquisition of an indigenously-developed 10kW Direct Energy Weapon (DEW) system to strengthen the country’s air defence (AD) capabilities against emerging aerial threats, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The urgency for such advanced systems was underscored during Operation Sindoor, a recent retaliatory strike against Pakistan, where the need to neutralize low-cost, high-impact drone threats became evident.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the 10kW DEW system harnesses electromagnetic energy to destroy targets at a range of at least two kilometers. This more-potent system, mounted on a 4×4 vehicle, offers a significant leap in countering asymmetric warfare tactics employed by adversaries. The weapon’s precision and ability to engage multiple targets make it a game-changer for protecting critical infrastructure and military assets along India’s borders.
The decision to procure the DEW system follows successful trials and validation by the armed forces, reflecting India’s growing focus on indigenous defence technologies under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. Sources indicate that if the order volume is substantial, DRDO may onboard additional production partners to accelerate the manufacturing process, ensuring timely deployment across strategic locations.
The need for such systems was particularly highlighted during Operation Sindoor, conducted in early May 2025, where Indian forces neutralized terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation exposed vulnerabilities to low-flying drones used for reconnaissance and payload delivery, prompting the armed forces to prioritize DEW integration into their air defence arsenal.
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