Priyanka Tiwari
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India has successfully tested a 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) that can disable or destroy small unmanned aerial vehicles, including swarm drones, missiles, and surveillance sensors.
This achievement places India alongside only three other countries — the United States, China, and Russia — that have developed similar advanced defense technology.
DRDO Leads the Development of the Mk-II(A) DEW System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the test at Kurnool. The laser weapon, named Mk-II(A), was developed indigenously by DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), in collaboration with academic partners and Indian industries.
DRDO sources confirmed the system demonstrated its full range of capabilities. It targeted and neutralized long-range drones, countered multiple drone attacks, and destroyed enemy sensors and antennae.
Advanced Features of the Laser Weapon System
The Mk-II(A) system is recognized for its precision and speed. The DEW can engage targets within seconds, making it a highly effective counter-drone weapon.
The radar first identifies the threat, then the system directs a concentrated laser beam to the target. The beam damages or disables the target by creating structural failure through intense heat.
Cost-Effective and Reusable Technology
According to DRDO officials, this laser weapon is both powerful and reusable. Unlike missiles, which involve high costs per launch, the DEW operates at a much lower cost. The energy used for one strike is reportedly equivalent to just a few liters of petrol.
This low operating cost makes it especially suitable for prolonged military operations.
Strategic Importance in Modern Warfare
As the global use of unmanned aerial vehicles grows, the need for efficient anti-drone systems has become more critical. India's new laser system strengthens its defense capabilities while reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.
Because it causes minimal collateral damage and requires no physical projectiles, the laser-based DEW offers a significant tactical advantage in modern combat scenarios.
Future of High-Energy Weapons in India
The DRDO is also exploring other forms of high-energy weapons, including microwave-based and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) systems. These initiatives are part of a broader goal to develop next-generation “Star Wars”-like defense technology.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat emphasized that this successful test is only the beginning, highlighting ongoing collaborations between DRDO labs, industry, and academia.
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