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First Post
21 hours ago
- Science
- First Post
Directed Energy Weapons: Why India must take the lead
Directed Energy Weapons offer advantages such as high speed, precision, and the potential for lower cost per shot compared to traditional weapons–the future of weaponry lies in DEWs read more India successfully tested the Mk-II (A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) this April at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool. The 30 kW (kilowatt) laser weapon designed to neutralise drones, UAVs, and other aerial threats puts India in a select group of nations with this capability. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) trial demonstrated the system's ability to disable surveillance sensors and cause structural damage to drones. DEWs are a type of ranged weapon that use concentrated energy, rather than physical projectiles, to damage or disable targets. This energy can be in the form of lasers, microwaves, or particle beams. DEWs offer advantages such as high speed, precision, and the potential for lower cost per shot compared to traditional weapons, but they also pose challenges related to atmospheric conditions and potential long-term health effects. The world's leading defence companies are working towards DEWs. DEW could also use a beam of sound for crowd control and other policing functions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Directed Energy Weapons DEWs emit highly focused electromagnetic energy, which is directed at the target, causing damage by heating, melting, or disrupting electronic systems. The specific type of energy used determines the wavelength and how effectively it can penetrate different materials. High-Energy Lasers (HEL) can be continuous or pulsed, delivering power outputs as low as 1 kW. Their precision allows them to target and melt metal, plastic, and other materials. They can be used to destroy or disable drones, missiles, and other airborne threats, as well as to damage or destroy ground-based targets. Millimetre Wave Weapons (MWW) operate in the 1 to 10-millimetre wavelength range, delivering more than 1 kilowatt of power. They can affect multiple targets simultaneously due to their broader beam. High-Power Microwaves (HPM) generate microwaves with longer wavelengths than lasers or millimetre waves. They're capable of producing around 100 megawatts of power and can disrupt multiple targets within their larger beam area and can disrupt or disable electronic systems, including those in vehicles, aircraft, and communication systems. Particle Beam Weapons (PBW), which are still under development, could potentially be used to damage or destroy targets at much greater ranges. DEW Advantages Advantages of DEWs include action at the speed of light, allowing for near-instantaneous engagement of targets. DEWs are very precise and can be directed with high accuracy, minimising collateral damage. DEWs are highly cost-effective and potentially much less expensive per shot than traditional weapons. DEWs can continue to fire as long as they have a power source, unlike traditional weapons with limited ammunition. DEWs can be used discreetly; radiation does not generate sound and is invisible if outside the visible spectrum. Light is, for practical purposes, unaffected by gravity and wind, giving it an almost perfectly flat trajectory. This makes aim much more precise and extends the range to line-of-sight, limited only by beam diffraction and spread and absorption or scattering by intervening atmospheric contents. Lasers travel at light speed and have a long range, making them suitable for use in space warfare. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD DEWs offer a spectrum of effects from nonlethal to lethal that can be influenced by factors such as exposure time, distance, and target area. Moreover, they can be employed in a graduated manner. Nonlethal responses include temporarily disabling electronic systems or preventing access to specific physical areas or systems, while degradation involves reducing the effectiveness of enemy sensors or electronics. Lethal responses entail destroying or severely damaging targets by focusing energy to melt or incapacitate critical components. Unlike traditional munitions, DEWs can offer benefits such as temporary and reversible effects. They can degrade or disable electronic systems without completely destroying them. DEWs are currently moving from the research and development phase to the practical deployment phase. Many countries are investing in DEW technology, and the market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. DEW Challenges and Limitations Adverse weather (fog, rain, dust) can interfere with laser beams and reduce their effectiveness. DEWs can lose effectiveness over longer distances due to atmospheric absorption and scattering. Opposing forces can develop countermeasures to deflect or disrupt DEWs. DEWs could potentially cause unintended harm to their own personnel or equipment, and their long-term health effects are not fully understood. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taking DEWs from development to operational deployment presents challenges. Operationally, wide-beam DEWs can affect both friendly and enemy assets within the area of impact. They may also struggle against well-shielded targets or in environments where line-of-sight is obstructed. Additionally, international norms and regulations related to DEWs are in their infancy and do not offer a clear framework by which to mitigate the risks of their use. Furthermore, there are open-ended questions over the ability of existing industrial supply chains to produce DEW capabilities at scale. Practical Military Applications DEWs offer practical air and surface defence applications. Specifically, they are best oriented to counter slower-moving and swarm threats such as drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars by disrupting or destroying their electronic components and guidance systems. DEWs are frequently cited as having potential for missile defence, including against ICBMs, but the technological challenges to such applications are currently prohibitive. The US Department of Defence claims that DEWs have the potential to counter slower-moving missile threats such as anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, the basic logic being that DEWs are a lower-cost way to defeat less advanced aerial threats that would allow more expensive interceptors to be saved for the faster and more troublesome ballistic threats that DEWs cannot reliably engage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It's also possible that DEW capabilities could be used against enemy surface boats and autonomous maritime vehicles, as well as adversarial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. DEW will be increasingly used to blind and destroy satellites. Leading Global Players in DEW In the United States, the Pentagon, DARPA, and the service-specific military research laboratories are all researching DEWs to counter ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles. These systems of missile defence have already begun getting operational. China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, India, and Israel are also developing military-grade DEWs, while Iran and Turkey claim to have them in active service. Some of the leading global private players in defence are involved in the DEW market. These include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman, with significant contributions from Boeing, BAE Systems, and others. These companies are actively involved in research, development, and deployment of various DEW technologies, including lasers and high-power microwaves, for defence applications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lockheed Martin is particularly interested in laser weapon systems for defence against various threats. Raytheon Technologies (now RTX) is known for its High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS), deployed in multiple countries. Northrop Grumman focuses on solid-state laser technology and has developed a 500-kilowatt laser system. The Boeing Company develops compact and mobile DEW systems, like the Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS). BAE Systems is a major defence contractor with expertise in various DEW technologies. L3Harris Technologies is a key supplier of components for DEW systems. Leonardo S.p.A, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security, has expertise in high-energy laser technologies. Other significant players include Germany's Rheinmetall AG, involved in the development of DEWs. French multinational Thales Group has a presence in the DEW market. Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd is a significant player. Major Indian Companies DRDO, India's primary defence research organisation, is actively developing DEWs. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are major players in India's DEW market. Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC) is an Indian research centre focusing on laser technology for defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These companies are actively involved in research, development, and deployment of various DEW technologies, including lasers and high-power microwaves, for defence applications. The market is seeing increased investment and collaboration between these companies to develop advanced DEW systems for various applications, including countering drones, missiles, and other threats. Simultaneously, the private sector is also developing laser and high-power microwave-based air defence and counter-drone systems by companies like Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Adani Defence, Tonbo Imaging, Big Bang Boom Solutions, and Paras Defence. DRDO's DEW Programme The Mk-II (A) 'Shahastra Shakti' is a vehicle-mounted laser DEW system. At the heart of the Mk-II (A) is a 30-kilowatt high-energy laser. During trials, it demonstrated the ability to engage lightweight helicopters and long-endurance UAVs at distances of up to 3.5 kilometres. It showcased its entire spectrum of capability by engaging fixed-wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack, and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae. It is evolving into the most potent counter-drone system and is designed for flexible deployment from ground vehicles or naval vessels and can be transported by air, sea, or road. DRDO intends to operationally field the Mk-II (A) by 2027. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prototype of the Mk-II (A) DEW system has been under a prolonged development of DRDO at the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, along with Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), and Defence Laboratory (DL) Jodhpur, in harnessing the high power of laser. The critical subsystems along with components are designed and developed indigenously by CHESS, other DRDO laboratories, academic institutions, and more than 15 Indian industries. The cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. All three Indian armed forces are already using the earlier version of DEW Mk-I as part of their air-defence capabilities. The new system is capable of engaging aerial targets at greater range and, therefore, a significant step in Atmanirbharta. This landmark achievement will also act as the cornerstone for all the future development of high-power DEWs. Its success puts India in the exclusive and limited club of the global powers who possess the high-power laser DEW. Strategic Defence Initiative In the 1980s, US President Ronald Reagan proposed the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) programme, which was nicknamed Star Wars. It suggested that lasers, perhaps space-based X-ray lasers, could destroy ICBMs in flight. Several DEWs were examined by the SDI Organisation for potential use in missile defence. In July 1989, the accelerator was launched from White Sands Missile Range as part of the Beam Experiment Aboard Rocket (BEAR) project, reaching an altitude of 200 kilometres and operating successfully in space before being recovered intact after re-entry. No known weapon system utilising this technology has been deployed. Israel's Iron Beam Israel is developing many DEWs, including the Iron Beam laser system, as part of its multi-tiered missile defence strategy. These systems are designed to complement existing missile defence technologies like the Iron Dome. It is being jointly developed by the Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) and the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA). The Iron Beam, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, is a 100 kW-class High-Energy Laser Weapon System. It is designed to intercept and neutralise various threats, including rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM), cruise missiles, and drones. It has reportedly been operational since October 2024. Few Other DEW Systems Active Denial System (ADS) is a millimetre wave source that heats the water in a human target's skin and thus causes incapacitating pain. Vigilant Eagle is a ground-based airport defence system that directs high-frequency microwaves towards any projectile that is fired at an aircraft. Raytheon had announced in 2005 that field tests had been highly effective in defeating MANPADS missiles. The system is not operationally deployed. Bofors HPM Blackout is a high-powered microwave weapon that is said to be able to destroy at a short distance a wide variety of electronic equipment and is purportedly non-lethal. The effective radiated power (ERP) of the EL/M-2080 Green Pine radar makes it a hypothetical candidate for conversion into a DEW by focusing pulses of radar energy on target missiles. The Pischal-Pro anti-drone rifle was featured at the Dubai Airshow, 2019. It is a battery-powered electromagnetic pulse weapon held to an operator's shoulder, pointed at a flying target in a way similar to a rifle, and operated. The device emits separate electromagnetic pulses to suppress navigation and transmission channels used to operate an aerial drone, terminating the drone's contact with its operator and sending it out of control. The Russian Stupor is reported to have a range of two kilometres, covering a 20-degree sector; it also suppresses the drone's cameras. It has reportedly been used in Syria. The Ukrainian army has reportedly used the Ukrainian KVS G-6, with a 3.5 km range and able to operate continuously for 30 minutes. It can disrupt remote control, the transmission of video at 2.4 and 5 GHz, and GPS and Glonass satellite navigation signals. A UK-developed system unveiled in May 2024 uses radio waves to fry the electronic components of its targets, rendering them inoperable. It is capable of engaging multiple targets, including drone swarms, and reportedly costs less than 10 pence (13 cents) per shot. Epirus Inc, a defence technology start-up based in Torrance, California, unveiled on March 25 the Leonidas system, a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon designed to neutralise unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms. Chinese researchers have claimed to develop a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon that is capable of producing electromagnetic pulses with an intensity similar to that of a nuclear explosion. The US Army tested a high-power microwave weapon as part of the US-Philippines Balikatan 2025 joint military drills. This is the first time the weapon has been employed in the Indo-Pacific region and coincides with rapidly rising tensions with China. During the Iraq War, electromagnetic weapons, including high-power microwaves, were used by the US military to disrupt and destroy Iraqi electronic systems. The first officially known use of DEWs in combat between military forces was claimed to have occurred in Libya in August 2019 by Turkey, which claimed to use the ALKA directed-energy weapon. To Summarise Mastering the DEW technologies has long been the holy grail of air defence systems. While there have been global efforts to replace traditional kinetic weapons and missile air defence systems, the recent proliferation of much cheaper Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats have driven the demand for DEWs with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. This has been witnessed during the recent conflicts like the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict or Houthi attacks on US naval fleets, where relatively weaker state and non-state players are accruing disproportionate gains against their stronger adversaries. Once detected by a radar followed by tracking through an electro-optic (EO) system, DEWs can engage targets at the speed of light and neutralise the target. This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battle space by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage. DRDO is also working on higher-powered laser systems, including a 300 kW 'Surya' DEW with a 20-kilometre range. The Kilo Ampere Linear Injector 'KALI', is being co-developed with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. KALI will generate high-intensity electron pulses, which can be translated into electromagnetic radiation in the form of X-ray or microwave frequencies. It will act like a high-power microwave gun, designed to destroy incoming aircraft and missiles with a 'soft-kill' system that disables their sensitive electronic systems. India's private sector is getting big into DEW. The future is in DEW. DEWs are being designed to be flown on aircraft or housed on military satellites. Action is expanding. The DEW market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 16.16 per cent and 19.6 per cent. Specifically, one report projects the market to grow from $1.77 billion in 2023 to $6.96 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 16.16 per cent. India must remain at 'full throttle' to become a major player. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
7NEWS
21-07-2025
- Climate
- 7NEWS
Millions for South Australian toxic algae event that has plagued coastlines for months
'Nothing can be done' to dilute or dissipate an algae bloom that is devastating marine life across formerly pristine South Australian coastlines, the state's residents and hard-hit fishing industry are being told by the Department of Environment and Water. Three contributing causes have now been identified for the bloom which has been choking large parts of South Australia's coast for more than three months, as authorities scramble to maintain confidence in their handling of what is being called an 'environmental catastrophe'. Federal Minister for the Environment Murray Watt on Monday promised $14 million to deal with the algae event, but did not specifically mention if it was one-off disaster funding. 'It's obviously a very distressing event for all South Australians and, I think, the whole country,' he said. 'There's no doubting whatsoever that this is a very serious environmental event facing South Australia.' The funding is expected to be spent on beach clean-ups across SA coastlines, scientific research, business assistance, communication and planning to mitigate future blooms. The combined effects of river floods, a cold water upswell and now warmer than average water temperatures — which have created the conditions in which the algae thrives — are not easily combated, the South Australian government's Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has said. Since March when surfers first began falling sick after riding the waves at Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the toxic karenia mikimotoi algae has spread along the coastline to Adelaide and around the otherside of the Yorke Peninsula, like Port Broughton — about 250km north of where it was first detected. The algae bloom — now estimated to be about 4,500sqkm in size — has killed thousands of fish and other marine life, with regular reports of rotten carcasses washing up on beaches. DEW said nutrients washed downstream during the River Murray floods and deep-sea nutrients pushed into shallow waters during a cold water upswell have caused a mass feeding ground rich in nitrate and other micro-plankton — meaning there is plenty of food for all sorts of marine life, including various algae species. These factors alone would normally mean a nutrient-rich season for ocean-based primary producers such as fishermen and oyster and muscle farmers. But they were soon followed by warmer than average water temperatures causing conditions perfect for the algae to develop faster and overwhelm other marine life, with the micro-plankton karenia mikimotoi outbreak quickly taking root — and both eating up the other micro-plankton other species rely on, while being consumed spreading its toxins that can kill other forms of sea life and make humans sick. South Australia's struggling seafood industry is still holding its breath for the bloom to dissipate, while residents and visitors to the area have been advised to avoid swimming at algae-affected beaches. Local fisherman and Coorong Wild Seafood owner Glen Hil said the situation could devastate the region's fishing industry. 'I've bashed my head against the side of the chiller in frustration. I've cried my eyes out,' Hill told 7NEWS. 'If we lose the bottom of the food chain, what do the fish eat? Potentially, we could lose everything.' And it's having a knock-on effect across the wider industry, with reports seafood sales are plummeting as consumers question where the produce has come from, while several oyster and muscle-producing sites have been shut down. It's not the first time South Australia has had to contend with a karenia mikimotoi outbreak, with a previous bloom recorded in Coffin Bay in 2014 according to DEW. Karenia mikimotoi can be found worldwide, including Northern America, with many types of harmful algae blooms becoming more frequent due to climate change. Coorong Environmental Trust co-founder Faith Coleman has told 7NEWS: 'Human beings are part of our ecosystems but if we get the balance wrong in the environment all of it will fall over. 'And so, when there are community members who are distressed and we are seeing really clear signatures of climate change … it's important that we get onto it very, very quickly.' Marine heatwave While South Australia was dealing with a drought, the ocean was also being affected by the weather with 'sea temperatures about 2.5C warmer than usual combined with calm conditions, light winds and small swells,' according to SA Water. In Australia, often warmer waters on the eastern coast can be seen as colour bleaching on coral reefs. But according to the Australian Research Council (ARC), the impact of m arine heatwaves can also include 'harmful algal blooms, coral bleaching and organism mortalities'. ARC said marine heatwaves can occur in any ocean region and during any season. But what exactly causes a marine heatwave? ARC said there are key factors that may trigger a marine heatwave, with the 'atmospheric' issues such as sunlight being a big factor — when there is minimal cloud cover, the ocean water warms up more. Wind also plays a factor in cooling the water surface so with less wind the water stays warmer. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), sea surface temperatures (SST) around Australia during May 2025 were 0.62C above the 1991–2020 average, making it the warmest May on record since observations began in 1900. Since July 2024, SSTs have been the warmest or second warmest on record for each respective month. River Murray floods Unprecedented flooding on the Australian east coast caused a massive knock-on effect, not only for those at the top of the Murray Darling Basin but at the bottom in South Australia. On the average day, 15 gigalitres of water — or 6000 Olympic-sized swimming pools — is expected to pass through monitoring stations in SA's Riverland region. However, as the Murray Darling Basin flooded, a peak of 186 gigalitres — or 74,400 Olympic-sized swimming pools — was pouring into the River Murray daily and countless acres of farmland, homes and shacks were inundated by the 'once in a generation' flooding event. SA Water has acknowledged the flooding did flush 'nutrients' into the Murray mouth and surrounding beaches. Beaches around where the Murray meets the ocean mouth turned brown for months, with farm machinery brought in to clear a massive fish kill as tons of immature carp were flushed out to sea. Unprecedented cold-water upwelling Upwelling is an oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and usually nutrient-rich water from deep water towards the ocean surface, according to Jochen Kaempf, an Associate Professor of Natural Sciences (Oceanography) at Flinders University. Sunlight does not reach far into the sea, so the upwelling ensures that microscopic phytoplankton — single-celled organisms that depend on photosynthesis to thrive, are able so do so as the currents of the water bring them to shallower waters. It usually is celebrated by fishing industries as phytoplankton attracts deep sea creatures such as tuna and whales which feed on it. A government spokesperson told the current algal bloom is being sustained by 'nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon nutrients' most likely created through 'ocean upwelling, river and storm water runoff, dust, dying seagrass, fish and flows from rivers and storm water'. Waters deeper than 100m also contain high levels of nitrogen, while the deep zone of high nutrient levels is also due to the presence of bacteria that decompose sinking particles of dead organic matter. Karenia mikimotoi feed on the same microscopic phytoplankton as well as being able to survive via photosynthesis, which is why it is proving resistant. South Australian government response Government agencies, including the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and SA Health are monitoring the karenia mikimotoi bloom. The agencies are taking weekly water samples at 17 sites across West Lakes, the Port River, the Patawalonga River and the end of four jetties at Largs Bay, Grange, Glenelg and Port Noarlunga. The Port River is home to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, whose dolphins and their water quality are monitored regularly by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and Flinders University in collaboration with the Environment Protection Authority. Weekly testing of the Coorong will be undertaken to analyse the algal bloom's movement. The Coorong region remains open and visitors are advised to check signage and avoid contact with discoloured water, foamy water, or water where marine life is dead or in poor health. The state Liberal Opposition want a royal commission into the algae bloom, but the SA government stopped it dead in its tracks. Attorney-General Kyam Maher poured scorn on the proposal, suggesting it was a waste of money to investigate what was 'almost universally accepted by scientists to be caused by climate change'. 'We've already announced half a million dollars in fee relief for the fishing industry and we've said we're looking at doing more,' he said. The state government announced a $500,000 initial relief package for fishers affected by the algal bloom, waiving certain licence and audit fees. A government spokesperson said there will be no ban on recreational and commercial fishers 'At present there are no plans to close fishing areas as a direct result of the harmful algal bloom,' the spokesperson told Acting Premier and Environment Minister Susan Close has repeatedly said she was deeply concerned for sensitive areas such as the Coorong, and there are 'things than can be done'. 'We're looking at ways in which we can manage water in order to push the Coorong's salinity out of the comfort zone for karenia mikimotoi,' she said. Close said the state government recognises the widespread effects of the algal bloom on the environment, coastline, businesses and industries, adding the government has established a reference group to work with those people who are on the frontline of the algae bloom. 'The algal bloom is a dynamic situation and its effects are unpredictable but, by bringing together industry representatives and science specialists, we can continue looking at research and investment options,' she said.
India.com
20-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Not just Akash, S-400, or Barak-8, India also has THIS laser defense shield that can destroy missiles within..., it can track...
DRDO DEW System: During 'Operation Sindoor', the world witnessed the efficiency of air defense systems like 'Akash' and S-400. India's defense technology isn't limited to just rockets and missiles. The country also possesses Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), a laser defense shield. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently announced the successful trial of a Mk-II(A) Laser– Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system 'mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles.' This is the kind of technology seen in the Star Wars movie series — capable of turning enemy drones, helicopters, and even missiles into ashes mid-air. 'Indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae,' the statement said. 'The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered at the target within few seconds made it the most potent counter drone system.' Here are some of the key details: In April 2025, DRDO successfully tested a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system. This technology promises to play a decisive role in future warfare. While systems like Akash, S-400, and Barak-8 are already serving as defense shields, the laser shield makes India virtually invincible. This laser defense system can track and destroy any aerial threat within a range of 5 kilometers. It is equipped with 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors that can detect and neutralize targets approaching from any direction. It can be deployed not only on land but also on warships, and it can be easily transported and stationed via air, rail, road, or sea routes. This laser system can destroy drones, helicopters, and missiles within a 5 km range in seconds. During testing, it successfully shot down fixed-wing aircraft and swarm drones mid-air. It also has the capability to jam enemy communications and satellite signals. It doesn't use any explosives or missiles — it operates solely with laser light, making it a 'massless' weapon. Star War Capabilities: DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat described it as the first step towards a 'Star Wars capability'. He said, 'So far, only the US, Russia, and China have demonstrated such technology. Israel is also working in this direction. We are the fourth or fifth country to have demonstrated this capability.' This means India has now joined the elite club of nations that possess advanced Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW) systems. The trial was carried at the National Open Air Range, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The system was developed by DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad along with other labs, academic institutions and Indian industries.
ABC News
09-06-2025
- ABC News
Proposed new whale-watching distances concern SA tourism operators
The owner of a whale-tourism business says the proposed creation of new whale nursery protection areas could bankrupt his Eyre Peninsula company. In addition to the established protection zone in Encounter Bay, new protection areas could be formed in Fowlers Bay and Sleaford Bay. South Australia's Department for Environment and Water (DEW) said the areas were independently identified as important for the recovery of the southern right whale. Viewing vessels would need to stay at least 300 metres from whales under the proposal, an increase of 200m on restrictions already in place. Whale tourism operator Rod Keogh, who has run EP Cruises for 17 years at Fowlers Bay, on the far west coast, said the changes would have a serious impact on his operation. "The guidelines that have been written by these researchers are stating that due to the lower numbers of southern right whales, they're saying they're not coming back as what they expected," Mr Keogh said. While the distance requirement was 300m for a calf, Mr Keogh said he had been operating under an exemption for more than 12 years. Mr Keogh said his operation had no detrimental effect on whales in the area. He said there was one whale in the bay per year when he started the tours in 2008, compared to a record of 67 whales in 2019, with 150 passing through overall. Mr Keogh was concerned he would not be able to enter Fowlers Bay if it became a sanctuary zone. "We bought a jet boat specifically for this operation, not only for the safety of the whales, but we are able to sit in very close in shallow water and protect ourselves from the weather," he said. He said his business already struggled to get customers. "If you start putting those rules and restrictions on our operation now … why would people come to Fowlers Bay and travel thousands of kilometres just to come out on a boat to see from 300 to 600 metres away," he said. Tourism Industry Council of South Australia chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said whale-watching played a significant part in tourism on the far west coast. He said changes would have a "big impact" on the tourism industry. "It's a really important part for that community and for the local economy during the winter period; it's certainly established itself as a really important asset," he said. He said balancing conservation and commercial activity was challenging and it should be carefully considered. "You're interacting with a threatened or endangered species, and whenever that happens, there's always conservation requirements," he said. "If whale-watching wasn't possible on the far west coast, it would be really disappointing and would definitely hurt visitation to the area." Mr Keogh said he was concerned the restrictions would reduce visitation to the area and force his business to go under. "Operationally, we know what works in Fowlers," he said. "If they take that away from us as well, people won't come out to Fowlers for this." He said operating a 15-metre charter vessel was "extremely expensive". "The insurances alone are astronomical," he said. A DEW spokesperson said the introduction of the Whale Nursery Protection Areas would not prevent vessel access to the waters or vessels travelling through the areas. "The Department for Environment and Water acknowledges that the existing permit held by EP Cruises is valid until March 31, 2027," the spokesperson said. "A staged increase in approach distance has been suggested to EP Cruises for whale-watching seasons in 2026 and 2027. "Stakeholders, including EP Cruises, have been invited to meet with staff from the Department of Environment and Water conservation and wildlife division to discuss the proposal and to submit feedback."
7NEWS
31-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Rare flooding transforms SA's dry Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre into an outback oasis
The salty flats of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre are flooding for just the fourth time in the past 160 years. When water fills the tourism hotspot in the northeast corner of South Australia, the dry lake bed turns into a temporary outback oasis with wildlife and vegetation all springing to life. 'Brine shrimp hatch from eggs in the soil, millions of waterbirds and breeding birds from as far as China and Japan migrate to the lake, and fish that are in the floodwaters will spawn and eat the shrimp,' the SA Department for Environment and Water said. The Department advised the best way to view the phenomenon is with a scenic flight tour, but added at least one camping spot on the shore offered irresistible access to the 'spectacle'. 'The best way to see the lake and the hundreds of species of birdlife that it attracts is from the air,' DEW said. 'Many visitors will be keen to make the most of this rare event by camping at the Halligan Bay Point Campground.' Halligan Bay Point is an exposed, flat campground with limited facilities, including toilets and picnic shelters. Alternative camping is also available at Muloorina Bore, north of Marree. Campers will need to stick to 'dedicated viewing points within the park'. Recreational water activities — such as swimming, driving off designated tracks, boating and landing aircraft on the lake — are also off limits under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Some people have expressed frustration with the restrictions, including boaties keen to take their vessels onto the lake's rarely seen waters. But the lake management plan is designed both for public safety and to protect the sacred site, and keep people safe in the remote region. Visitor numbers of about 5000 in a dry year can surge to about 25,000 in a flood year, DEW said. The lake covers about 9500sqkm and is co-managed with the Arabana people, the native title holders of the lake which is considered in lore to be sacred and dangerous to visit without the guidance of cultural authority. Arabana Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman Bronwyn Dodd called Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre a 'a very special place' and said that its preservation also 'preserves our way of life'. 'We are proud to share this part of our Country, and the Ularaka (story) that belongs here,' she said. Nature-lovers have several months to check out a brimming Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. 'Water started to find its way into the north lake in early May and there will be varying water levels for up to six months,' DEW said. 'The best times to visit would be between May and October.'
