2024-07-12 20:35:59
Seoul: South Korea is going to deploy the world’s first laser weapon to blow away North Korean drones from the sky. It will also be used to respond to the provocations of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. North Korea has a huge stockpile of nuclear and chemical weapons, with which it keeps threatening its arch rival South Korea. In such a situation, South Korea has described the laser weapon as a game changer. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said that the laser weapon will shoot down the drone with beams of light created using fiber optic cables.
North Korean drone will be shot down for just Rs 107
Each shot fired by North Korea’s laser weapon will last for about 10 to 20 seconds and will be invisible to the naked eye. It will create temperatures of over 700C that can damage the drone’s electrical components such as circuit boards and batteries – or at least disable them. Developed by the South Korean military in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, this laser system can shoot down drones at a rate of just £1.10 (Rs 107) per shot – making it one of the cheapest drone-zapping systems in the world.
First country to deploy laser weapon
DAPA said in a statement: “Our country is becoming the first country in the world to deploy and operate laser weapons, and our military’s response capabilities to North Korea’s drone provocations will be further strengthened. The cost per fire is extremely cheap compared to other guided weapons. With low-cost strike assets and weapons, such as small drones, responses will be very effective and efficient.” The advanced drone-downing system is to be deployed by the end of this year.
Many countries of the world are making laser weapons
If it succeeds, South Korea will become the first country to use such technology, being developed by several countries including Britain, in military combat. This comes just months after a North Korean drone intruded into South Korea. In December, five North Korean drones intruded into South Korean territory, prompting Seoul to scramble fighter jets and attack helicopters to shoot down the drones.