New Delhi [India], April 15 (ANI): The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) 651 kW Waterjet Propulsion System, designed by Larsen & Toubro under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, has successfully completed preliminary sea trials aboard the Indian Navy’s Fast Interceptor Craft.
In a post on X, DRDO shared, “A key milestone under @DRDO_India’s TDF scheme. The 651 kW Waterjet Propulsion System, designed & developed indigenously by @larsentoubro (Precision Engineering Systems IC) >70% IC content, successfully completed preliminary sea trials aboard Indian Navy’s Fast Interceptor Craft.”
This achievement marks a significant step towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
India Joins Elite Nations with Laser-Based Defense Technology
Earlier on April 13, India achieved another major success by joining a select league of nations, including the US, China, and Russia, with the capability of shooting down fixed-wing drones and swarm drones using a high-energy 30-kilowatt laser beam.
The successful trial of the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system was showcased at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, where it demonstrated its ability to disable missiles, drones, and smaller projectiles. This accomplishment has placed India in an exclusive club of nations possessing high-power Laser-DEW systems.
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat stated, “As far as I know, the United States, Russia, and China have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system.”
Kamat described the achievement as “just the beginning of the journey,” adding that DRDO is working on a variety of technologies that will give India “Star Wars capability.” He emphasized that the collaboration between DRDO labs, industry, and academia is vital for reaching further milestones.
The Mk-II(A) DEW system, which was indigenously designed and developed, demonstrated its full spectrum of capabilities, including engaging fixed-wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple-drone attack, and disabling enemy surveillance sensors and antennae. The speed of engagement, precision, and lethality within seconds makes it one of the most potent counter-drone systems.
Developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, the Mk-II(A) system involved collaboration with the LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, academic institutions, and Indian industries.
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