SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy is at the forefront of technological advancement, actively pursuing the development of High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon systems to bolster its maritime capabilities. These sophisticated directed-energy weapons harness the power of concentrated microwave energy to disrupt or destroy electronic systems in various targets, including drones and missiles. By emitting high-peak-power radio frequency waves, HPM weapons can instantly disable electronic components upon impact.
HPM weapons offer several advantages over traditional kinetic weapons. They enable rapid engagement, precise targeting, and extensive ammunition capabilities. Additionally, they require significantly lower power compared to kinetic weapons, making them an energy-efficient solution. These attributes make HPM weapons a crucial component of modern military strategies for countering emerging threats while minimizing collateral damage.
As research progresses, HPM systems are poised to play a pivotal role in modern warfare, particularly in neutralizing drone swarms, including Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAV), Autonomous Combat Aerial Vehicles (ACAV), and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV), from long distances. While traditional countermeasures like kinetic weapons and electronic warfare systems (jamming and spoofing) are currently employed, they have inherent limitations, such as inadvertent interference with other communication systems and reduced effectiveness against fast-moving targets. Moreover, the existing HPM system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation has a limited range of 1 kilometer for countering drones.
To enhance the Indian Navy’s operational effectiveness, it is imperative to extend the capabilities of HPM systems to at least 5 kilometers. This increased range will enable precise and adaptable solutions for engaging multiple targets without collateral damage in open waters, while preserving the operational effectiveness of naval ships.
The ideal HPM system should possess the following characteristics:
- Enhanced Neutralization Capabilities: The system should effectively target and disable multiple autonomous vehicles in various environments.
- Scalable Power Output: It should allow for adjustments in energy levels based on distance and target engagement without requiring major architectural changes.
- Advanced Components: The system should incorporate compact pulse power sources for efficient microwave transmission and integrated control systems for precise engagement.
By fulfilling these requirements, the Indian Navy can harness the power of HPM technology to safeguard its maritime assets and maintain its dominance in the evolving maritime domain.