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In a groundbreaking move, Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled the Iron Beam, a cutting-edge laser weapon system reminiscent of sci-fi classics like Star Wars and Star Trek. The technology, showcased at the Singapore Airshow on February 11, 2014, is now under study for potential deployment in response to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
While initially slated for service deployment in the coming years, the Iron Beam could play a pivotal role in fortifying Israel’s air defence amid the current hostilities. This 100kW class High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) is engineered to intercept a diverse array of threats, including Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars (RAM), as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Operating at distances ranging from a few hundred metres to several kilometres, it is poised to become the first operational system in its class, marking a significant advancement in defence technology
As tensions persist on various fronts, the question looms: Could India
What fits the needs for security and border defence?
Globally, the pursuit of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) primarily revolves around two main options: High Power Lasers (HPL) and High-Power Microwaves (HPM). Each option presents distinct advantages and considerations in terms of functionality and effectiveness.
High Power Lasers (HPL) are characterised by a narrower beam, which allows for precise targeting but covers a smaller area. This feature makes them particularly suitable for pinpoint accuracy against specific threats. For instance, a laser with an output of approximately 100 kilowatts has the potential to neutralise unmanned aerial systems and artillery, offering a focused response to these types of threats.
On the other hand, High Power Microwaves (HPM) boast a wider coverage area, making them potentially more effective against a salvo of missiles or drone swarms. This broader reach enhances their utility in countering multiple threats simultaneously.
The power levels of these DEWs correlate with their destructive capabilities. A laser beam with an output of around 300 kilowatts could be potent enough to disable small craft, vehicles, and cruise missiles. As the power scales up, with lasers reaching one megawatt, the capability extends to devastating ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons. The versatility of DEWs, spanning from precision targeting to countering swarms and high-speed projectiles, underscores their potential as a transformative force in modern warfare.
The findings of experts highlight the potential cost-effectiveness and efficiency of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) compared to traditional munitions. These advanced systems, utilising lasers, microwaves, gamma rays, and other forms of electromagnetic energy, offer distinct advantages in terms of deployment and operational capabilities.
One key advantage lies in the elimination of the need for mechanical loading, as DEWs can be fired repeatedly without the logistical challenges associated with traditional munitions. Weapons utilising lasers, for instance, can cut through steel
The speed of light in a laser beam enables near-instantaneous reach to a target, eliminating the need for calculating intercept courses, as required for interceptor missiles. This rapid response time can be a critical factor in countering fast-moving threats.
India in the DEW race
In a significant revelation, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhuri announced on March 21, during a public event in Delhi, that India has successfully tested and deployed Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) and hypersonic weapons. This disclosure marks a notable advancement in India’s defence capabilities, although no official declaration has been made to date.
These weapon systems harness the power of concentrated laser, microwaves, or particle beams to deliver lethal force with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The Air Chief highlighted the numerous advantages of DEWs, including their cost-effectiveness per shot, logistical efficiency, and low detectability. Moreover, the lightning-fast delivery of death rays to the target sets them apart from conventional weaponry.
Of particular significance is DEWs’ capability to counter the perceived threat of hypersonic missiles, which are often deemed ‘unstoppable’ due to their extraordinary speed. With their unmatched precision and rapid response, DEWs emerge as a critical solution to address the challenges posed by these high-speed projectiles.
In the intricate web of developing cutting-edge weapon systems in India, pivotal contributions have been made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its affiliated institution, the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) based in Hyderabad. This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) technology within the country.
The scope of these initiatives extends beyond DRDO and CHESS, involving several entities such as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the Army Design Bureau (ADB), and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). Each plays a unique role in different DEWs programs, highlighting a coordinated effort across multiple fronts.
One noteworthy achievement is credited to CHESS, which successfully developed a laser-based anti-drone system, showcasing its capabilities to potential users. This system, integrating radar, jammer, and laser-based hard kill capability, has been both developed and deployed, marking a significant advancement in anti-drone technology.
In the realm of classified defence programs, India has reportedly integrated Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) into its arsenal
The classified nature of these programs covers details such as operational range and specific parameters in secrecy, highlighting the strategic importance and sensitivity surrounding these advanced weapon systems. The proposed system, slated for potential induction in 2024, is said to possess the capability to eliminate incoming missiles and projectiles during the terminal phase of their flight, even at ranges of approximately 25 km.
An offshoot of India’s DEWs program manifests in the form of an anti-drone system, which has reportedly been deployed for the past two years during Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics
A retired Indian Army Lt Gen. who wishes to stay anonymous states that “As technology advances in India’s neighbourhood, our nation must be vigilant against potential vulnerabilities. It is imperative for India to not only bolster its defensive capabilities but also contemplate the development of an offensive edge in response to emerging threats.”
Other side of the coin
Despite the promise of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) on the battlefield, significant obstacles remain. One major challenge is the substantial energy requirement for their operation. The high costs associated with the research and development of DEWs pose financial barriers, and the practical applicability of several of these weapons remains uncertain.
DEWs face inherent vulnerabilities. Laser beams, a common type of DEW, can be attenuated by water vapour and dust, diminishing their effectiveness. Additionally, many DEWs have limited ranges, and their impact significantly weakens with increased distance between the weapon and the target.
The financial investment required for the development and construction of DEWs may not always be justified by their performance in specific scenarios. Reflective materials and other countermeasures can also be employed to mitigate the effectiveness of DEWs.
Furthermore, the development of DEWs by one government often triggers an arms competition among other nations, escalating tensions and potentially leading to an arms race. These challenges underscore the complex considerations surrounding the practical deployment and effectiveness of DEWs in real-world military scenarios.
The bottom line
The effectiveness of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) in addressing geopolitical challenges, such as the Galwan standoff and broader Indo-Pacific tensions, remains a nuanced and evolving consideration. While DEWs offer distinct advantages in terms of precision, repeatability, and potential accuracy, significant obstacles must be navigated.
The Galwan standoff and Indo-Pacific challenges present multifaceted scenarios that demand a comprehensive approach to defence. The energy demands, cost implications, and uncertainties regarding the practical applicability of DEWs underscore the need for a balanced assessment. The vulnerabilities of DEWs to countermeasures, limited ranges, and potential high development costs further complicate their widespread adoption.
In the face of evolving challenges, the integration of DEWs into military arsenals should be approached with a discerning eye, weighing their advantages against the complex realities of contemporary conflicts. As technology continues to advance, ongoing research and development will likely refine the capabilities and limitations of DEWs, shaping their potential role in addressing future security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
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