Directed Energy Weapons for the Indian Armed Forces

Military planners believe that the ‘blast and fragmentation’ type conventional weapons cannot advance much further technologically.The next chapter in weapons technology development is expected to be realized from Directed Energy weapons (DEWs). It can be assumed that by 2035, DEWs consisting of laser, microwave and millimeter waves can reach current performance levels of the existing kinetic energy weapons(KEWs) and conventional weapons. While these will co-exist with KEWs,a non-DEW option would have a debilitating effect on the defence preparedness of any nation. Its numerous advantages has made DEWs a preferred project of choice for development by Russia, France, US and China. India too should consider the potential advantages of developing DEW technology. This article aims to highlight the importance of DEWs in the Indian context and urge thinkers and policymakers to make a roadmap for development of DEWs.

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