DRDO’s laser weapon trial puts Orvakal on defence map
The NOAR at Orvakal was established after the Andhra Pradesh government allotted 2,295 acres of land in July 2015 at a rate of Rs 2 lakh per acre.
Kurnool: Palakolanu and its adjoining villages—Kuppalapadu and Uyyalavada—in Orvakal mandal of Kurnool district have become the focal point of national attention after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful trial of a high-power Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) on Saturday afternoon.
With this achievement, India has joined the elite league of nations such as the United States, China, and Russia, which possess laser-based technologies capable of neutralising aerial threats like drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and surveillance systems.
The DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS) led the field demonstration, showcasing the land-based, vehicle-mounted DEW MK-II(A). The laser weapon successfully targeted and neutralised both fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones by inflicting structural damage and disabling their surveillance sensors.
The NOAR at Orvakal was established after the Andhra Pradesh government allotted 2,295 acres of land in July 2015 at a rate of `2 lakh per acre. The range was envisioned as a strategic testbed for cutting-edge defence technologies.
Interestingly, despite the high-stakes nature of the trial, local authorities, including the police, were reportedly unaware of the test. Police officials stated that they had not been briefed by DRDO and were not involved in security arrangements, as the range remained restricted during the demonstration.
Sources indicate that CHESS is also developing future DEW systems for deployment on Indian warships. These efforts are part of a broader national initiative to equip India with next-generation ‘Star Wars’-grade defence capabilities to secure air and maritime superiority in future warfare.
A farmer, Ramanna from Palakolanu, said they had noticed unusual activity in the fields but were unaware of its nature. He expressed surprise and pride upon learning that a prestigious national project was taking place in their region.
