DURGA II Laser Weapon

• 29 Apr 2024

Source: TW

Why in News?

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has sought USD 100 million from the Ministry of Defence to develop a high-power laser weapon, named Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA) II, a lightweight directed energy weapon (DEW).

• It is a 100-kilowatt lightweight DEW and can be used by armed forces.
• It aims to provide the Indian armed forces with cutting-edge technology capable of neutralising various threats, including drones, missiles, and artillery shells.

What are Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs)?

• About:
  • It is a type of weapon system that emits highly focused energy, typically in the form of lasers, microwaves, or particle beams, to incapacitate or destroy targets.
  • Unlike traditional firearms or explosives which rely on kinetic energy (physical impact), DEWs use directed energy to achieve their effects.
• Types:
  • Laser Weapons: It uses a concentrated beam of coherent light to heat and damage the target.
    • They can be used for various purposes, including target destruction, missile defence, and disabling electronics.
  • Microwave Weapons: They emit electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to disrupt or damage electronic systems, such as computers, sensors, or communication devices.
  • Particle Beam Weapons: They accelerate charged or neutral particles to high velocities and direct them towards the target to cause damage through kinetic energy transfer or ionisation effects.
• Advantages:
  • It has advantages including precision targeting, rapid engagement, reduced collateral damage, and potentially lower costs per shot.
    • DEWs are believed to be the sole answer to virtually 'unstoppable' hypersonic missiles.
  • They have applications in military defence, homeland security, space exploration, and law enforcement.
  • It transmits lethal force at the speed of light.
  • These weapons are not affected by the constraining effects of gravity or atmospheric drag, making them extremely precise.
• Challenges:
  • Limited Range: Most DEWs have limited range, and their effectiveness decreases with increasing distance between the target and the weapon.
  • High Cost: It can be expensive to develop and manufacture, and the cost may not be justified by their effectiveness in some situations.
  • Countermeasures: It can be countered by using reflective materials which can reduce their effectiveness.
    • Its effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as atmospheric conditions, including fog, rain, and dust.
  • Arms Race: The development of DEWs may lead to an arms race among nations.
    • Examples such as the current nuclear race among nations.
• Significance for India:
  • The application of this technology in the defence industry can transform the way wars will be fought enabling India to produce cutting-edge platforms, weapons, sensors, and networks essential to fight and win a future war.
  • DEWs could act as a deterrent against hostile nations such as China, and Pakistan by increasing India’s defence capabilities.
  • Other Countries with DEWs:
    • Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, and China are reportedly among the countries that have programmed to develop DEWs or Laser Directed Energy Weapons.
    • Earlier, the US also accused Cuba of carrying out sonic attacks (Havana Syndrome).

Note:

• The global DEW market was worth USD 4.1 billion in 2020 and is forecasted to reach USD 15.5 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 19.63%.

UPSC Civil Service Examination, Previous Year Questions(PYQs)

Prelims:

Q1. With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Q2. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018)

(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.

Ans: c