India, South Korea set for defence collaboration; 'Star Wars' like weapons on anvil

New Delhi: The economic co-operation between India and South Korea is now set to be elevated to the next level. India and South Korea have agreed to jointly develop and produce next-generation weapon systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the success of industrial cooperation in the commercial sector should now be extended to the realm of defence technology as well. Sources revealed that during his bilateral visit to Seoul, the capital of South Korea, Rajnath Singh concluded several agreements. These include plans to jointly develop next-generation technologies—such as laser weapons and mobile air defence platforms—to counter emerging aerial threats.

What did Rajnath Singh say?

Rajnath Singh remarked, "Korea's technological excellence, combined with India's scale, talent pool, manufacturing ecosystem, and innovation capabilities, creates a strong foundation for cooperation. Together, our two nations can jointly develop and produce advanced technologies and defence systems for the future." Rajnath Singh held bilateral discussions with the Republic of Korea's (RoK) Minister of National Defence, Jeong Kyeong-doo. During these talks, the primary focus was on enhancing cooperation in areas such as industrial collaboration, joint production, maritime security, and emerging technologies.

Is There Emphasis on Developing Laser Defence Systems?

'The Times of India' quoted officials as saying that during this visit, the Indian firm Larsen & Toubro signed agreements to jointly develop and produce directed-energy weapons and automated air defence systems for future requirements. Officials noted that these two agreements, signed with Hanwha Co. Ltd., signal a robust future for the India-Korea defence innovation and technology partnership. Rajnath Singh also met with Lee Yong-chul, the Minister of South Korea's Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Both leaders agreed to leverage their mutual efforts to create opportunities for joint development as well as joint exports.

Rajnath Singh also presided over the India-RoK Defence Industry Business Roundtable, which brought together senior government officials and key representatives from the defence industries of both nations. Meanwhile, the Army's new long-range rocket system—acquired using emergency financial powers following 'Operation Sindoor'—has demonstrated its precision-targeting capability during live-firing trials conducted at Chandipur, Odisha. Developed by Niba Limited, the 'Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher' fired rockets at ranges of 150 km and 300 km, striking the targets with absolute precision. When fired from a distance of 300 kilometers, these rockets achieved a targeting accuracy within a radius of just 2 meters of the intended target.