Indian Navy to Deploy Directed Energy Weapons on Aircraft Carriers to Tackle Emerging Aerial Threats

In a strategic push to modernize its defense systems, the Indian Navy is gearing up to integrate Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) onto its aircraft carriers. This advanced technology is poised to counter the rapidly growing threats of loitering munitions and subsonic cruise missiles, which are reshaping the dynamics of naval warfare globally.

Loitering munitions, often dubbed "suicide drones," and subsonic cruise missiles have become favored weapons due to their affordability, agility, and ability to saturate traditional defense systems. Their capability to hover over targets before striking makes them challenging to counter using conventional methods. With these threats on the rise, the Indian Navy's adoption of DEWs signals a shift toward cutting-edge, rapid-response technologies.

The Power of Directed Energy Weapons

Directed Energy Weapons, such as high-energy lasers and microwave systems, offer unprecedented advantages by neutralizing threats at the speed of light. These systems operate by emitting concentrated beams of energy that can disable or destroy incoming projectiles, drones, or missiles. Their rapid response time is especially critical in countering fast-moving threats like cruise missiles, ensuring they are intercepted before reaching their targets.

The Indian Navy plans to equip each aircraft carrier with three to four DEWs to ensure full 360-degree protection against aerial threats. This comprehensive coverage will involve the strategic placement of the systems to defend against attacks from all angles and altitudes.

Specifications of Indian Navy's DEWs

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is at the forefront of developing two distinct DEW systems tailored to meet the Navy's requirements:

1. 30 kW DEW System

   • Designed to counter smaller threats such as drones and loitering munitions.
   • Lower power output for rapid deployment and reduced energy consumption.
   • Currently undergoing trials.

2. 100 kW DEW System

   • Developed to neutralize sophisticated threats like cruise missiles.
   • Higher power output increases the likelihood of disrupting or destroying missile electronics.
   • Offers a broader range of effective engagement.

These systems are being designed for integration with the Navy's existing radar and sensor networks, ensuring precise target acquisition and tracking for coordinated defense.

Global and Domestic Innovations

India’s foray into DEWs aligns with global trends, as countries like the United States have been testing and deploying similar systems. For instance, the US Navy's Laser Weapon System (LaWS) and the Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy (ODIN) have demonstrated the potential of laser-based weapons to enhance naval defenses.

Domestically, the Indian Navy’s plans are not limited to future carriers but also extend to retrofitting existing ones, such as the INS Vikramaditya, with DEWs. This approach underscores the urgency to modernize naval assets to address present and future threats.

Overcoming Challenges

A key challenge in deploying multiple high-energy DEWs on aircraft carriers lies in ensuring a reliable power supply. Aircraft carriers already operate under significant space and weight constraints, making energy storage and distribution a critical consideration. The Navy is exploring innovations such as compact nuclear power sources, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to meet these energy demands.

Future Prospects

As the Indian Navy advances its DEW programs, these systems are expected to become a cornerstone of its defense strategy. The integration of DEWs represents a significant step toward achieving self-reliance in cutting-edge military technology while keeping pace with global defense trends.

By adopting DEWs, the Indian Navy aims to establish a robust, future-ready defense mechanism capable of addressing the ever-evolving challenges posed by modern warfare, particularly in the maritime domain. This initiative signals a transformative leap in India’s naval capabilities, ensuring its aircraft carriers remain formidable and well-protected against emerging aerial threats.