It has been reported that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has begun work on new weapon systems like laser beams and high-power microwaves.
The organisation is developing and improving various laser-generation techniques using solid state, fibre and chemical lasers for defensive and offensive use.
Several DEW projects are underway by DRDO, which range from ‘chemical oxygen-iodine’ and ‘high-power fibre’ lasers to a secretive ‘Kali’ particle-beam weapon for ‘soft-kills’ against incoming missiles and aircraft, however, none of them are close to being operational.
One such technology under development is DURGA II (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array) which will see the Indian Army receive the 100-kilowatt, lightweight directed-energy system.
Further, DURGA II is to be integrated with land-, sea- and air-based platforms
As of now, the DURGA II programme is currently in the concept stage. DRDO has already sought US$100 million from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to develop this high-power laser weapon.
Noteworthy, the development of these new technologies is necessary to defend important military and strategic assets from hypersonic weapons.
