In March 2025, India successfully tested a high-energy laser-directed weapon system, becoming the fourth nation globally to achieve this feat. Which countries had previously developed such systems? ​

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (d) The US, Russia, and China

• India's Achievement: On April 13, 2025, India successfully tested its first high-energy laser-directed energy weapon system, the Mk-II(A), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This system demonstrated the capability to neutralize drones, missiles, and aircraft with a 30-kilowatt laser beam at ranges up to 5 kilometers .

• Global Context: Prior to India's successful test, only a few nations had developed and demonstrated operational high-energy laser weapon systems:

  • United States: The U.S. has been at the forefront of directed energy weapons development, with systems like the HELIOS laser weapon, which has been tested aboard naval vessels to counter aerial threats .

  • Russia: Russia has developed the Peresvet laser system, which has been deployed for air defense and anti-satellite operations .

  • China: China has demonstrated the Silent Hunter laser system, capable of disabling drones and other aerial targets .

• Other Nations: While countries like Israel, Germany, the UK, Japan, and South Korea have been developing or testing laser weapon systems, as of March 2025, they had not yet achieved the operational deployment of high-energy laser weapons comparable to those of the U.S., Russia, and China.

• Mk-II(A) System: The Mk-II(A) is a 30-kilowatt directed-energy system capable of destroying drones, missiles, helicopters, and other small projectiles in a matter of seconds. It operates out to five kilometers, providing swift and dependable protection against airborne threats .

• Operational Capabilities: The system features modular architecture, allowing deployment on land, sea, and air platforms. Its mobility and versatility enhance its effectiveness across various terrains and operational environments.

• Strategic Importance: The successful development and testing of the Mk-II(A) position India among an elite group of nations with advanced laser weapon capabilities, enhancing its defense capabilities against modern aerial threats.