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SOURCE: AFI

As the battlefield evolves with advanced technology, swarm drones have emerged as a significant threat to modern military operations. These small, agile, and networked drones can overwhelm traditional defense systems by attacking in large numbers, making them a serious challenge for national security. To counter this threat, laser weapons offer a highly effective, low-cost, and scalable solution that the Indian Armed Forces should prioritize.

With India facing increasing threats from swarm drones along its borders and at strategic installations, adopting laser weapon systems presents a promising opportunity to neutralize this growing challenge efficiently.

Swarm drones, operating as coordinated units, can execute complex missions like reconnaissance, jamming communication networks, and launching attacks on critical military infrastructure. They can overwhelm conventional defense systems due to their sheer numbers, maneuverability, and low radar signatures. Swarm attacks can be difficult to defend against using traditional missile-based systems, which are both costly and limited in their capacity to engage multiple targets simultaneously.

India has already experienced the potential risks posed by such drones, with incidents like the use of drones for cross-border attacks and intelligence gathering becoming more frequent. Given the increasing accessibility of drone technology, adversaries could deploy swarm drones in larger numbers, creating a pressing need for an advanced counter-drone strategy.

Laser weapons offer several advantages over traditional anti-aircraft systems when it comes to neutralizing swarm drones. These systems, which use directed-energy technology, can provide the precision, scalability, and cost-effectiveness necessary to counter this emerging threat.

1. Cost-Effective Solution

One of the most significant benefits of laser weapons is their low cost per shot. Traditional missile systems used to intercept drones or other aerial threats can be extremely expensive. For instance, each missile launch can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, making them inefficient for taking out small, inexpensive drones. In contrast, the cost of firing a laser is primarily electrical, with each shot potentially costing just a few dollars. This allows laser systems to engage multiple drones in a swarm without quickly depleting resources, providing a cost-effective solution.

2. Unlimited Ammo with Electric Power

Laser systems are powered by electricity, meaning they do not rely on physical ammunition, which can be limited in quantity. As long as there is a power source, a laser weapon can continue to engage threats, making it ideal for sustained operations against large-scale drone swarms. In contrast, missile-based systems have limited reload capacity, which could be overwhelmed during a swarm attack.

3. Precision Targeting

Laser weapons are highly precise, capable of targeting individual drones within a swarm with pinpoint accuracy. This precision minimizes collateral damage, which is especially important in areas with civilian infrastructure or sensitive military installations. The ability to focus on specific targets within a swarm and disable them one by one makes lasers a valuable tool for drone defense.

4. Speed of Engagement

Unlike missiles or conventional anti-aircraft systems, which require some time to lock onto a target and launch, laser weapons can engage targets at the speed of light. This rapid response capability is essential when dealing with fast-moving drone swarms, where seconds can determine the success or failure of a defense operation. With lasers, threats can be neutralized almost instantaneously, reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.

5. Silent and Stealthy

Laser weapons operate silently and invisibly, unlike traditional defense systems that generate significant noise and heat signatures. This stealthy operation makes them an ideal choice for defending against swarm drones, which may rely on sound or visual cues to detect and avoid countermeasures. The silent nature of lasers can catch swarm drones off guard and disable them before they have a chance to react.

India has already recognized the potential of directed-energy weapons (DEWs) and has initiated several projects to develop indigenous laser weapon systems. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been working on laser weapons for both tactical and strategic applications. Notable developments include the Durga II and Kali laser systems, which are designed for a range of applications, including anti-drone and missile defense roles.

Additionally, India has demonstrated its ability to shoot down drones using laser systems in trials, proving the feasibility of this technology. These initiatives are steps in the right direction, but they must be scaled up rapidly to meet the growing threats posed by swarm drones.