The progress of science and technology has been closely linked to man’s pursuit of the electromagnetic spectrum towards higher frequencies as this has opened up new application potentials and enabled new capabilities for defence and security. While information technology and space technology are proving to be major enablers for modern network centric warfare, another new technology emerging clearly as critical for the 21st century is directed energy weapons (DEW). In September 2020, the DRDO announced that it will carry its own research into the feasibility of Directed Energy Weapons.
A brief history
A directed-energy weapon (DEW) is a ranged weapon that uses highly focused energy to damage its targets. Lasers, microwaves, particle beams etc are examples of such energy forms. DEW include weapons that target personnel, missiles, vehicles, and optical devices. Earlier DEWs were developed by German Army during World War II. For example they developed sonic cannon that were responsible for causing vibrations in the human body. ALKA was possibly the first Directed-energy weapon to be used in war. It was used by Turkish forces. During the Iraq War of 2003 electromagnetic weapons like high power microwaves, were also used by the U.S. military.
Types of Directed Energy Weapons
There are many types of Directed Energy Weapons. Microwave weapons, Particle-beam weapons, Plasma weapons, Laser weapons are some of them. Sonic weapons are another type which use sound as focused energy to kill the target. It can only be used by military or police. On the other hand, laser weapons are based on laser beams. Microwave weapons use a range between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. Particle-beam weapons use charged or neutral particles whereas Plasma weapons use a stream of plasma as energy source.
Advantages and disadvantages of DEWs
Directed energy weapons have many advantages over conventional weapons. DEWs can be used shrewdly because radiation above and below the visible spectrum does not create sound. These weapons attack at the speed of light precisely. It can engage multiple targets rapidly. It has low operational cost and reduces logistic support. But there are some disadvantages too. Research in this field requires a lot of capital. Secondly, there are many doubts regarding their application and practicality. Also, the counter of these weapons is not that difficult to find.
Where India stand in the race
India is also investing in DEWs. According to a press release published on 1st January 2021, DRDO has made an anti drone system which can jam the command links of other micro drones and bring them down. It is also requesting 73 billion rupees from defence ministry to produce a high power laser weapon. At present a separate group of scientists is working in developing new directed-energy weapons. There are four laboratories which are indulged in making DEWs – the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory, the Laser Science and Technology Centre, the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, and the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences.
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