Pakistan to Acquire Laser Weapon System from Australia, Türkiye Providing Assistance; India worried

Islamabad: Pakistan may acquire laser weapon systems from Australia. The Pakistan Navy is pursuing this acquisition through Turkey. Reports suggest that the Pakistan Navy's Directorate of Procurement issued a tender on February 4 for two 10 kW Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) and associated radar systems. These systems are intended to be installed on Pakistan Navy vessels as an anti-drone solution. Reportedly, Pakistan is eyeing procurement from both Turkey and Australia for this purpose.

According to reports, the Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) is a major player in the field of laser weapon systems. The company has developed the high-power Apollo laser weapon system (capable of up to the 100 kW class) and is actively expanding its international partnerships. During the World Defense Show held in Saudi Arabia in February, EOS signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Turkey's defense sector giant, Roketsan, for the joint development of laser-based directed-energy weapons.

How is Turkey and Australia helping Pakistan?

Roketsan has developed its own Alka laser weapon system. It functions as a versatile anti-UAV platform, incorporating an adjustable-power laser, electronic jammer, electro-optic sensors, and radar. The Alka system offers a strike range of up to 2.2 km at a power output of 10 kW. It can be mounted on fixed installations, truck pallets, or armored vehicles.

The Pakistan Navy's tender specifically requests 20 kW-class laser weapon systems (or systems with a capacity scalable up to 10 kW). Experts believe that Pakistan has opted to favor the Australian firm EOS over its Turkish counterpart. It is engaging with EOS through the intermediary of Turkey's Roketsan. This initiative forms part of Pakistan's broader effort to bolster its maritime defense capabilities through directed-energy weapons.

Why is the Laser System Significant?

This tender issued by Pakistan marks a significant step in the Pakistan Navy's efforts to modernize its defense systems against the growing threat of drones and low-cost aerial swarms in the Arabian Sea. However, the procurement process is currently still in the tender phase; no deal has been confirmed as finalized yet.

A laser weapon system is a Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). By utilizing a laser beam, it can strike down enemy drones, missiles, rockets, and small vessels at the speed of light. This energy-based weapon neutralizes targets—not through physical projectiles—but by rendering them inoperable, either by melting them with concentrated heat or by burning out their electronic systems.

Will This Increase India's Challenges?

If Pakistan acquires Australia's modern laser weapon system, its military capabilities will undoubtedly be enhanced. Furthermore, its military ties with Turkey are also likely to strengthen. Consequently, India will certainly need to keep a close watch on this development, particularly given that Pakistan and Turkey were seen standing united during 'Operation Sindoor.' India and Pakistan share a long-standing history of acrimony in their bilateral relations.