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

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Fixed-wing UAVs and Swarm drones

Explanation:

• In April 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated its Mk-II(A) Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
• The Mk-II(A) DEW system effectively neutralized fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and swarm drones, causing structural damage and disabling their surveillance sensors.
• This capability positions India among a select group of nations with advanced directed energy weapon systems.

Information Booster:

• The Mk-II(A) DEW is a 30-kilowatt laser-based system developed by DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories, academic institutions, and Indian industries.
• The system demonstrated its ability to engage targets at the speed of light, using an intense laser beam to cut through targets, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if targeting warheads.
• The Mk-II(A) DEW system is designed to counter emerging threats from drones, which are increasingly being used in military and surveillance applications.

Additional Knowledge:
(b) Helicopter drones: While the Mk-II(A) DEW system is capable of engaging various aerial threats, the demonstration specifically showcased its effectiveness against fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones.
(c) Underwater drones: The Mk-II(A) DEW system is designed for aerial threats and does not target underwater drones.
(d) Racing drones: Racing drones are not the primary focus of the Mk-II(A) DEW system; the demonstration focused on military-grade aerial threats.