During the 2025 demonstration, which types of drones were successfully destroyed by DRDO’s DEW Mk-II(A)?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 09 Jun, 2025 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Fixed-wing UAVs and Swarm drones.

Key Points

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Mk-II(A) during trials in 2025.
The DEW Mk-II(A) effectively neutralized Fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Swarm drones, showcasing its operational capabilities against advanced aerial threats.
The system employs laser-based technology to disable or destroy aerial targets by disrupting their onboard electronics or structure.
These trials highlighted India’s advancements in non-kinetic warfare technologies, positioning DRDO among the global leaders in Directed Energy Weapons development.
The DEW Mk-II(A) was specifically designed to counter emerging threats from drones, which are increasingly being used in military and surveillance applications.

Additional Information

Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs):
- DEWs are a class of weapons that emit energy in a focused direction to damage or disable targets.
- Common types of DEWs include laser weapons, microwave weapons, and particle beam weapons.
- They offer advantages such as precision targeting, minimal collateral damage, and low operational costs once deployed.
Fixed-wing UAVs:
- Fixed-wing UAVs are unmanned aerial systems that use wings like traditional airplanes for flight.
- They are commonly used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and delivery applications due to their long flight range and efficiency.
Swarm Drones:
- Swarm drones refer to a coordinated group of drones that operate together to achieve a common objective.
- These are often used for military operations, search-and-rescue missions, and surveillance.
- Swarm drones leverage artificial intelligence and communication systems to coordinate their movements.
India’s DEW Program:
- India has been developing Directed Energy Weapons under DRDO’s Advanced Weapons and Technology program.
- These systems are part of the country’s effort to counter modern threats like drones, missiles, and other aerial platforms.
Global DEW Development:
- Countries such as the USA, China, and Russia are actively developing DEWs for military applications.
- These weapons are considered critical for next-generation warfare due to their ability to neutralize high-speed and agile threats.