Latest news with #SamirKamat
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indigenous weapons pipped Chinese systems in Operation Sindoor, says DRDO chief
Nagpur: Operation Sindoor undoubtedly proved the superiority of India's indigenous weapons systems over those made in China, said chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Samir Kamat, here on Thursday. "Pakistan deployed an array of systems procured from China. Our indigenous weapons easily outmatched the Chinese systems pitched by Pakistan," said Kamat. However, he said some lessons were learnt from the conflict, and the country's premier defence research agency will look at improvements and induction of newer weapon systems. Not divulging specifics, he said some measures will be taken on an urgent basis. At the same time, he stressed the country's air defence system has proven to be highly effective. Kamat was in the city to tour the defence manufacturing establishments located here, including Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a private sector ammunition maker, apart from DRDO's own chemical warfare unit and a facility of Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL). The Nagastra-1 loitering munition made by Solar was reportedly used in Operation Sindoor. Even the propulsion system of BrahMos missiles that pounded Pakistan came from the company. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nagelpilz? Die versteckte Ursache, die viele übersehen Heilratgeber Weiterlesen Undo Talking to TOI, Kamat said the purpose of the visit was to check facilities here, and coming to Nagpur was very fruitful. "It's important to have a robust private sector that's involved in both manufacturing and R&D to sustain long-drawn conflicts," he said. Kamat said a variety of systems can be put in place to counter drone attacks. He also mentioned that a range of sensors that can be used to detect and neutralise drones are expected to be inducted over the next six months or a year. Kamat also stressed upon the need to coordinate between stakeholders in the defence sector, including the PSU and private manufacturers. On indigenisation of conventional systems, he said the country is swiftly moving towards it. For example, in artillery, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and Dhanush guns have been developed. There may be some subsystems that have to be imported, but the dependence on foreign sources has reduced, he said. On upcoming systems, he said DRDO includes VSHORADS, man-portable air defence systems, man-portable anti-tank guided missiles (MPTAGM), vertically launched short-range surface-to-air missiles (VLSRSAM), heavyweight and advanced lightweight torpedoes.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
India develops ‘Star Wars' laser gun to shoot down drones
India has developed a Star Wars-like laser gun which it tested on Sunday by shooting down a swarm of drones several kilometres away. The 30-kilowatt laser weapon, dubbed Sahastra Shakti, burns through targets at the speed of light after initially detecting them by radar, according to Indian officials. The launch marks the country's foray into the next generation of weaponry that uses lasers to strike targets. The hulking machine was unveiled at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation, which led the trial, said the weapon first picked up and tracked seven swarm drones at a range of 3.5km (2.17 miles), before locking on and destroying them. It then knocked out a fixed-wing drone at an even greater range. '[The laser] defeated a fixed-wing UAV and swarm drones successfully, causing structural damage and disabling the surveillance sensors,' said Samir Kamat, the organisation's chairman. India has ramped up military spending in recent years amid rising tensions with China at the border and the ongoing threat of conflict with neighbouring Pakistan. In February India proposed defence spending of 6.81 trillion rupees (£60 billion) for the 2025-26 fiscal year, up 9.5 per cent from the previous year's initial estimates. The launch of laser weapons puts it in the same league as the United States, Russia, China and Israel. 'This is just the beginning of the journey. We are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies,' Kamat said. Unlike traditional kinetic weapons, laser weapons are cheaper, faster and more precise, making them particularly effective in attacking drones and incoming munitions. The Sahastra Shakti, which translates to 'a thousand power', consists of six high energy lasers of 5KW each that converge into one beam that hits the target at 30KW. It's deployed across two 4x4 vehicles, one that targets and tracks the threat, the other that carries the machinery that fires the beam. 'This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition, while also lowering the risk of collateral damage,' said Mr Kamat. 'The cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term and low-cost alternative to defeat the target,' he said. The plan, officials say, is to further develop the weapon so it can fire multiple beams, allowing it to destroy swarms of drones. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
India develops ‘Star Wars' laser gun to shoot down drones
India has developed a Star Wars-like laser gun which it tested on Sunday by shooting down a swarm of drones several kilometres away. The 30-kilowatt laser weapon, dubbed Sahastra Shakti, burns through targets at the speed of light after initially detecting them by radar, according to Indian officials. The launch marks the country's foray into the next generation of weaponry that uses lasers to strike targets. The hulking machine was unveiled at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation, which led the trial, said the weapon first picked up and tracked seven swarm drones at a range of 3.5km (2.17 miles), before locking on and destroying them. It then knocked out a fixed-wing drone at an even greater range. '[The laser] defeated a fixed-wing UAV and swarm drones successfully, causing structural damage and disabling the surveillance sensors,' said Samir Kamat, the organisation's chairman. India has ramped up military spending in recent years amid rising tensions with China at the border and the ongoing threat of conflict with neighbouring Pakistan. In February India proposed defence spending of 6.81 trillion rupees (£60 billion) for the 2025-26 fiscal year, up 9.5 per cent from the previous year's initial estimates. The launch of laser weapons puts it in the same league as the United States, Russia, China and Israel. 'This is just the beginning of the journey. We are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies,' Kamat said. Unlike traditional kinetic weapons, laser weapons are cheaper, faster and more precise, making them particularly effective in attacking drones and incoming munitions. The Sahastra Shakti, which translates to 'a thousand power', consists of six high energy lasers of 5KW each that converge into one beam that hits the target at 30KW. It's deployed across two 4x4 vehicles, one that targets and tracks the threat, the other that carries the machinery that fires the beam. 'This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition, while also lowering the risk of collateral damage,' said Mr Kamat. 'The cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term and low-cost alternative to defeat the target,' he said. The plan, officials say, is to further develop the weapon so it can fire multiple beams, allowing it to destroy swarms of drones.
