Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)

Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) are advanced systems that use concentrated electromagnetic energy or particle beams to disable, destroy, or damage enemy equipment and facilities.
Unlike traditional weapons, DEWs operate by delivering focused energy instead of kinetic energy, allowing for precise and rapid strikes.
These weapons include high-energy lasers, high-power microwaves, and particle beam technologies.

Types of Directed Energy Weapons

High-Energy Lasers (HEL): Lasers use light energy concentrated into a narrow beam to destroy or disable targets.
High Power Microwaves (HPM): These weapons emit intense microwave radiation to target and neutralize electronic systems.
Millimeter Waves: These are electromagnetic waves used to disrupt or damage systems like radars or communication equipment.
Particle Beam Weapons: These weapons accelerate charged particles to high velocities and direct them at a target, causing physical damage or radiation damage.

DEWs expand the scope of Electronic Warfare (EW), which is the strategic use of the electromagnetic spectrum in military operations.
DEWs are particularly effective in countering missile threats, disrupting enemy electronics, and engaging targets with high precision.

Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA)-II Project: A project by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) to develop directed energy weapons for defence applications.
Project Tri-Netra: An initiative by DRDO aimed at developing a range of advanced sensors and directed energy systems for defence purposes.
Kilo Ampere Linear Injector (KALI): A linear electron accelerator developed by DRDO and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), designed to target long-range missiles using high-energy electron beams.

Shakti EW System: A system designed to defend against modern radars and anti-ship missiles by jamming their signals.
Integrated Electronic Warfare System (IEWS): A versatile EW system designed for operation in various terrains such as plains, semi-desert regions, and mountainous areas.
Himshakti: A mountain-based EW system for jamming and electronic defense.
Samyukta: An EW system designed to perform multiple jamming operations and neutralize enemy communication networks.

Military Defense: DEWs can intercept and destroy incoming missiles, neutralize drones, and disable enemy radar systems, making them crucial for modern defense strategies.
Law Enforcement: DEWs, such as high-powered microwaves and lasers, can be used for crowd control and securing borders by temporarily incapacitating individuals or disrupting electronic systems.
Space Operations: DEWs have the potential to protect satellites from space debris and anti-satellite weapons, ensuring the safety of critical space infrastructure.