India's Laser-Based Defence Tech Gains Global Attention

Beijing, Aug 25 (PTI) - A recent successful test of India's Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) — particularly its high-power, laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) — has garnered recognition from a Chinese military expert. This development is seen as a "significant advancement" in India's defence capabilities.

The IADWS is a sophisticated air defence arsenal that comprises rapid-response surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM), very short-range air defence system (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based-directed energy weapon. This indigenous system underwent flight testing off the coast of Odisha on Saturday.

This air defence solution, especially its DEW segment, garnered attention from Chinese military analysts as similar technologies are possessed by only a handful of nations, including the US, Russia, China, the UK, Germany, and Israel.

Wang Ya'nan, the chief editor of China's state-run Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told Global Times that the IADWS is an effective defence mechanism against low and mid-altitude threats like drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. The system has a limited strike range but is designed to counter airborne threats effectively.

According to Wang, the true strength of such an integrated system lies in its information architecture, which distributes target data efficiently to the appropriate weapon components. Without this, the system would merely consist of independent air defence mechanisms.

Wang remarked, "The vehicle-based air defence missile QRSAM and the man-portable air defence system VSHORADS aren't particularly novel from a technological standpoint. The laser component, however, does represent a significant leap forward."

While China's LW-30 vehicle-based laser system is already in use and known for its capabilities against UAVs, it's important to note that few nations have deployed combat-ready laser technologies. These systems are noted for their light-speed engagement, silent operation, continuous function, flexibility, precision, and a high cost-effectiveness ratio.

The significance of this acknowledgment is amplified by the fact that the People's Liberation Army is investing heavily in cutting-edge weaponry. China also supplies a significant amount of military hardware to Pakistan. A recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicated that over 81% of Pakistan's military hardware originated from China, including equipment used against India during the recent Operation Sindoor conflict.

India's air defence system's successful test comes a little over three months following Operation Sindoor.