The work of #DRDO has often been praised for notable projects like Tejas light fighter jets, the Arjun tank, and missiles like the Agni series. But less well known is DRDO’s work on advanced technologies and weapons, which have yet to enter operational service around the world.
One of these areas is a Directed Energy Weapon- Directionally Unrestricted Rail Gun Array (DURGA II). The DURGA II is a light 100 kilowatt directed energy system for Indian military.
The DURGA II program is currently in the design stage and will be integrated into land, sea and air platforms to destroys the target using focused energy. The DRDO has specifically requested $ 100 million from the Department of Defense to develop this high-powered laser weapon.
The center has so far manufactured a 25 kilowatt laser that can target a ballistic missile during its terminal phase at a distance of up to 5 kilometers, the organization is developing and improving various laser generation techniques using semiconductor, fiber and chemical lasers for both defensive and offensive purposes.
Directed energy weapons have several advantages over conventional ammunition. First, they transmit lethal force at the speed of light (about 300,000 kilometers per second). Second, their beams are unaffected by the constraining effects of gravity or atmospheric drag. Third, they are extremely precise. Fourth, their effects can be tailored by varying the type and intensity of the energy supplied relative to the targets.
Directed energy weapons are already in use in the role of “drone defense” systems. In such systems, laser beams are used to knock out parts of drones, which are now an integral part of the military arsenal of most countries. However, their potential goes far beyond the ability to both destroy enemy targets and defend vital infrastructure from air and missile attacks.
High power laser weapons are difficult to develop with a notable problem being the supply of adequate power to the system. With the challenges, including “developing a cooling mechanism for the system that heats up when the laser beam is fired, ensuring a focused beam to a distant target and optoelectronics, or optronics, involving lenses. to create this focus. ”
Once developed the weapon will put India ahead among the league of advanced technological nations.