India has successfully tested a high-powered laser-based weapon system capable of destroying aerial threats such as drones and surveillance equipment within seconds.
Developed indigenously, this Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) places India among a select group of nations – including the United States, China and Russia – equipped with such advanced defence technology.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the trial of the 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
The system demonstrated its effectiveness by engaging fixed-wing drones at extended ranges, neutralising multiple airborne threats, and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and communication antennae with remarkable precision.
An official source said the system's “lightning speed of engagement, accuracy, and lethality at the target within seconds” made it one of the most effective counter-drone weapons developed in the country so far.
Designed and developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), the system is the result of collaborative efforts with various DRDO laboratories, including the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), and the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL). It also benefited from support provided by academic institutions and Indian industry partners.
The laser-DEW system is equipped with radar and electro-optic sensors that can detect and track targets before engaging them with a high-intensity laser beam.
This beam can either burn through a drone’s structure or cause internal damage by targeting sensitive components or explosive warheads, effectively neutralising threats without traditional munitions.
Experts believe such technology is set to revolutionise modern warfare by offering cost-effective and highly precise alternatives to conventional ammunition. These systems significantly reduce collateral damage, making them ideal for operations in densely populated or sensitive areas.
The rising frequency of low-cost drone attacks on military installations and civilian infrastructure has spurred the global demand for more efficient and economical defence systems.
Directed Energy Weapons like this one could play a crucial role in future combat scenarios, offering nations a reliable shield against the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in warfare.
With this successful trial, India has taken a significant step towards bolstering its defence preparedness using futuristic technologies.
Follow us
