Laser guns to 860 kmph drones, Prayagraj tech show spotlights future battlefield

Prayagraj: The drone displays at North Tech Symposium, Prayagraj, sent a clear message: warfare is going fast, smart and unmanned, where machines now guard both skies and security.Designed for roles from surveillance to combat, they offered common observers a clear glimpse of the battlefield’s future. The PARAS-SK 50 by Paras Defence drew major attention. More than a surveillance unit, it can engage targets with a 7.62 mm weapon, 50-round magazine, and 600m+ range. Its smart sensors detect humans, vehicles, and other drones.Also on display was Speed-ER, a laser gun that can identify, track and engage targets. Acting like an “eye in the sky,” it continuously follows a target once detected. Once within range, it can strike with precision, but only after operator approval, ensuring safety control. This anti-drone system can detect an incoming drone from up to 10 km away and neutralise it using a high-energy laser beam. Once locked, the system can destroy a hostile drone within seconds.Likewise, a team from IIT Jammu presented high-speed combat drones. One of them, “Rudra”, can fly at speeds of up to 600 kmph and operate at altitudes of 6 km while carrying a 20 kg payload. Another, “Skyreaper”, can reach even higher altitudes, up to 10 km, and fly as fast as 860 kmph.A different kind of innovation came in the form of hydrogen-powered drones by start-up Nextleap Aeronautics, which showcased innovative designs. Unlike traditional battery-operated drones that can fly for one or two hours, hydrogen drones can stay in the air much longer, sometimes up to 10 times more. This is because hydrogen stores more energy. These drones use advanced micro gas turbine engines, a technology only a handful of countries possess. Despite weighing around 10 kg, such engines can generate enough power to push drones to speeds of nearly 500 kmph. They are also quieter, making them harder to detect.The exhibition also featured vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones. These can rise straight up like a helicopter and then fly forward like an aeroplane. This means they do not need long runways, making them useful in difficult terrains or emergency situations. Some models could even convert from vertical to fixed-wing mode within minutes. Made of lightweight polycarbonate, it can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for any special launch system or runway. Within minutes, it can be converted into a fixed-wing drone, allowing it to cover longer distances efficiently. Its low-cost design makes it practical for wider use, while its ability to operate in tight or remote areas adds to its operational advantage.