Hypersonic and Directed Energy Weapon

Push development, integration of directed energy, hypersonic weapons: IAF Chief.

Several countries have tested and used Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) and Hypersonic Weapons.
To achieve the needed range and accuracy, India’s defence companies must advance the development of these weapons and incorporate them into its airborne systems.

About
- In layman’s terms, a directed-energy weapon harms or destroys its target by focusing energy using lasers, microwaves, or particle beams.
- Microwave weapons, laser weapons, drone defence systems, and so on are examples.
- A hypersonic weapon can attack its target at five to ten times the speed of sound (Mach 5 to Mach 10).
Advantages of DEWs over Conventional Ammunitions
- DEWs, particularly lasers, have excellent precision, low cost per shot, logistical advantages, and are difficult to detect.
- They can transmit lethal force at the speed of light (about 300,000 kilometres per second).
- The forces of gravity or atmospheric drag do not constrain their beams.
- The type and intensity of energy directed to targets can be varied to adjust their effects.

Limited Range
- Most DEWs have a limited range, and their effectiveness diminishes significantly as the distance between the target and the weapon grows.
High Cost
- They can be costly to research and construct, and their usefulness in particular scenarios may not justify the expense.
Countermeasures
- DEWs can be mitigated using reflective materials or other countermeasures, although their effectiveness will be reduced.
Arms Race
- When one government develops hypersonic weapons and DEWs, it sparks an arms race as other countries rush to create hypersonic weapons.
- This can exacerbate tensions and instability.

The deployment of these technologies in the aerospace industry can potentially change how wars are fought, allowing India to compete.
Its mission is to develop cutting-edge platforms, weapons, sensors, and networks to fight and win future wars.
Improving India’s defence capabilities could deter hostile nations such as China and Pakistan.

Russia
- It is an Avangard glide vehicle that reportedly carries a nuclear payload and will be fired from an intercontinental ballistic missile.
China
- Throughout the summer, its military conducted at least two hypersonic weapons tests.
- It includes the launch into space of an orbiting hypersonic weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
- China successfully tested the DF-17, a medium-range ballistic missile designed to deliver hypersonic glide vehicles.
U.S.A
- The US Navy is leading the development of a glide vehicle used by all armed branches, while the Air Force is working on an air-launched glider.
India
- Hypersonic technologies have been developed and tested by DRDO and ISRO.

They are typically classified as fast, low-flying, and highly manoeuvrable weapons that are too fast and nimble for standard missile defence systems to identify quickly.
Unlike ballistic missiles, they do not follow a fixed, arched trajectory and can manoeuvre on their way to their target.
They are adamant about defending against using existing defences.

1KW laser Weapon
- DRDO has tested a 1KW laser weapon which hit a target 250m away.
Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA) II
- The DRDO has launched the DURGA II project, a 100-kilowatt lightweight DEW.
Hypersonic Technology Development
- The DRDO and the ISRO have developed and tested hypersonic technologies in India.
- The Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) can travel at 6 times the speed of sound.
- It was successfully flight-tested by DRDO in 2021.
- India is also developing an indigenous, dual-capable hypersonic cruise missile as part of its HSTDV Program.

Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance in defence, could include creating indigenous designs and development skills through Indian security.
We can expand investment in defence research and development to improve our defence strength.

Pic Courtesy: Department of Defence

Content Source: Indian Express