A new 300-kilowatt directed-energy weapon (DEW) under development in India is designed to neutralize emerging threats at distances of up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).
At its core, the system integrates advanced beam-generation technology with high-gain supersonic nozzles, centrifugal bubble-based subsystems, and sealed exhaust control.
For long-range engagement, it incorporates a beam control system and a 60-centimeter (23.6-inch) output aperture to support stable beam delivery.
The 300-kilowatt unit serves as a modular building block that can be linked with additional beams to scale output in future configurations.
It is intended to counter a wide range of targets, from drone swarms and loitering munitions to missiles and potentially high-speed drones.
The DEW can be mounted on 8×8 vehicles alongside a dedicated control unit, enabling deployment across varied terrain and operational environments.
The system is being developed by High Energy Systems and Sciences, a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Clearing the Hurdle
Compared to conventional missile systems, DEWs enable near-instant engagement, sustained firing limited mainly by power supply, and a lower cost per shot.
These characteristics make them well-suited for asymmetric threats, where traditional interceptors can become economically inefficient over time.
However, limitations in power generation, thermal management, and atmospheric attenuation can reduce effectiveness over long distances.
To address these challenges, DRDO is developing adaptive control systems and improved cooling technologies aimed at maintaining consistent performance.
