Industrial / Defence

DRDO's Directed Energy Weapon SystemZetatek's Strategic Partnership

In April 2025, India achieved a historic milestone by successfully demonstrating its indigenous Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. This breakthrough positioned India alongside global defense leaders—the United States, Russia, and China—as the fourth nation to operationalize high-energy laser weapons. Zetatek Technologies Pvt. Ltd. played a pivotal role as DRDO's industry partner, contributing critical electro-optical tracking systems and precision pan-tilt platforms that enabled the weapon's real-time target acquisition and neutralization capabilities.

Challenge & Context

The Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk2A was developed to address emerging aerial threats, particularly drone swarms that conventional defense systems struggle to counter effectively. Traditional kinetic interceptors are expensive (₹2-5 lakhs per missile) and limited in rapid-fire scenarios, making laser-based solutions essential for cost-effective, high-volume threat neutralization.

Technical Requirements

• Detection Range: 5+ km for fixed-wing drones
• Tracking Accuracy: Sub-arcminute precision across 360° azimuth and ±90° elevation
• Engagement Speed: Real-time target acquisition and laser beam alignment within 3-5 seconds
• Environmental Resilience: Operations in dust, humidity, and temperature variations (-10°C to +50°C)
• Integration Complexity: Seamless fusion of radar, EO/IR sensors, and electronic warfare systems