India’s Mark-2(A) Laser Blitz: Outgunning Pakistan, Challenging China, Saving Crores

India has made a unbelievable leap in protection expertise with the successful take a look at of the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Trace-2(A), developed by the Protection Be taught and Improvement Group (DRDO). Showcased and tested on April 13, 2025, on the Nationwide Originate Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, this lowering-edge weapon proved its vitality by destroying drones and unmanned aerial autos (UAVs) at a unfold of up to 5 kilometers. This breakthrough no longer most productive strengthens India’s security against new threats but additionally provides a a lot less expensive alternative to feeble weapons, tough the advancements of neighbors esteem China and Pakistan.

The Trace-2(A), crafted by DRDO’s Heart for High Energy Methods and Science (CHESS), used to be demonstrated in a subject trial where it obliterated a build-wing UAV and swarm drones, adverse their structures and disabling sensors with a 30-kilowatt laser beam. It may also jam enemy communications, adding to its tactical edge. The take a look at in Kurnool highlighted its precision, the speak of laser beams that strike on the velocity of light, guided by evolved radar and electro-optic programs. Unlike feeble missile programs, that will well price lakhs per shot—spherical ₹50-70 lakh for a single missile esteem the Akash—the Trace-2(A) operates on faithful just a few liters of petrol, costing roughly ₹200-300 per speak, making it a price range-pleasant powerhouse.

This laser weapon is designed to counter increasing dangers esteem drones, missiles, and helicopters, which are sophisticated to construct of living and can strike with out warning. It protects key protection internet sites, borders, and cities by neutralizing low-price, high-impact threats with unmatched accuracy. Its potential to hit more than one targets with out heavy ammunition makes it a extraordinarily principal instrument for India, particularly amid tensions with neighbors. By slashing protection costs when put next with feeble programs, the Trace-2(A) helps India’s *Atmanirbhar Bharat* imaginative and prescient, proving that homegrown innovation can outshine costly imports.

China is a principal player in directed vitality weapons, with programs esteem the ZKZM-500, a 50-kilowatt laser rifle, and the Sheng-1, a 100-kilowatt laser targeting drones at 2 kilometers. Experiences bid China’s LW-30, a 30-kilowatt system, can hit targets up to 25 kilometers away, feeble against drones and precision-guided weapons. China’s efforts additionally embody anti-satellite tv for pc lasers, exhibiting its evolved capabilities. India’s Trace-2(A), efficient at 5 kilometers, is a mighty contender but trails China’s longer-range programs, even though its recent take a look at reveals rapid growth.

Pakistan, nevertheless, is a lot within the attend of in laser weapon expertise. While there are rumors of Pakistan exploring directed vitality programs, no true evidence confirms operational weapons esteem India’s Trace-2(A) or China’s arsenal. Pakistan leans on China for protection drive toughen, and there’s talk it may per chance maybe compose acquire entry to to programs esteem the ZKZM-500 for anti-drone or crowd-regulate roles. For now, Pakistan specializes in feeble fingers and drones, without a verified DEW trials to rival India’s fulfillment on April 13, 2025.

The Kurnool trial builds on DRDO’s earlier work, esteem a 1-kilowatt laser tested in 2017 at Chitradurga. The Trace-2(A)’s success reveals India has tackled challenges esteem vitality and cooling, but extending its range and making it portable for air or sea speak remains a aim. DRDO plans to push additional, eyeing 100-kilowatt programs esteem DURGA II to counter better threats, such as ballistic missiles. The price advantage is evident: while feeble defenses drain budgets—a single Barak-8 missile costs over ₹7 crore—the Trace-2(A)’s low operating price makes it a shipshape alternative for lengthy-term security.

India’s Trace-2(A) no longer most productive outpaces Pakistan’s capabilities but additionally narrows the hole with China’s more evolved programs. Its potential to quit new threats swiftly, precisely, and cheaply would possibly reshape how India defends itself. As drones and missiles develop into general in war, this laser weapon will seemingly guard India’s borders and key internet sites successfully. With more trials deliberate, DRDO’s scientists are working tirelessly to defend India forward, ensuring this breakthrough leads to a safer, stronger future.

(The author Girish Linganna of this text is an award-winning Science Author and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is additionally Director of ADD Engineering Parts, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. It's likely you'll maybe reach him, at: [email protected])