After drones and missiles, it is time for ‘laser warfare’: New tension between China and Germany shocks the world
After the Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel conflicts, tensions between China and Germany are growing. The reason for this tension is laser which was allegedly used on a German plane. Berlin is furious after the incident that took place a while ago in the Red Sea. However, China is denying all allegations of using laser on the German aircraft. The incident come to light when a civilian plan with German personnel onboard, found out that it was targeted by a laser.
What Exactly Happened?
As soon as the pilot came under the range of the laser, the pilot of the aircraft immediately decided to return to the European base in Djibouti. The German Defence Minister conducted a thorough investigation where this laser beam was fired from. The probe revealed that the source of the laser beam was a Chinese warship which was present in the Arabian Sea near Guld of Aden. The German government has expressed its displeasure by calling this incident a serious security threat. The German government has expressed its displeasure by terming the incident a serious security threat.
Is It The First Time China has been Accused Of Using Laser Weapons?
It is to be noted that it is not the first time that China has been accused of using lasers against foreign aircraft. However, Beijing has denied all the allegations. However, this incident has once again raised a debate on the intensifying laser weapons race.
Notably, Armies and defence laboratories across the world are engaged in developing a new class of powerful laser beams that have the ability to disable targets in the air.
Is Laser Technology A Future of Combat?
Laser technology can be used to take down drones and missiles, and powerful beams can even blind fighter pilots or damage aircraft. From the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the 12-day Israel-Iran war and Operation Sindoor between India and Pakistan, drones have been widely deployed — but lasers have also started playing a key role in anti-drone defence systems.
India Showed The Power Of Laser In Operation Sindoor
During Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces used the ‘Made in India’ D-4 anti-drone system, which can shoot down drones at a distance of about one km with a beam of 2-kilowatt capacity.
The Indian Armed Forces has successfully tested a 30 kilowatt capacity anti-drone gun.
India has also recently successfully tested a 30 kilowatt capacity anti-drone gun. DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences has developed a laser-directed weapon system that is capable of eliminating large swarms of drones from long range. This advancement places India among a handful of nations equipped with high-energy laser weapon technology.
Who Has How Much Laser Power?
America has officially deployed Helios (High Energy Laser and Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) on its warship USS Preble. Its power is 70 kilowatts.
Russia’s PERESVET laser weapon system has a capacity of about 100 kilowatts. It is used to disable enemy surveillance equipment at long distances.
On the other hand, Britain is developing the Dragon Fire Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW). It will be capable of targeting a one pound coin from a distance of one km.
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