DRDO tests a laser-based weapon system that within seconds eliminates drones.

India joined China, Russia, and the United States in testing a 30kW laser weapon system. The DEW trial at Kurnool was successfully led by DRDO.

India has successfully tested a 30-kilowatt laser-directed energy weapon (DEW) that can destroy and disable drone swarms, unmanned aerial vehicles, surveillance equipment, and missile threats, putting it in a select group of nations.

The trial was conducted at a specified range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Joining the United States, China, and Russia in the use of high-energy laser weapons, India is now the fourth country with this capability.

The weapon, known as the Mk-II(A) DEW system, was created in cooperation with Indian academic and industrial partners and DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad. It effectively intercepted numerous aerial threats at once, neutralized surveillance sensors, and targeted fixed-wing drones, demonstrating operational capabilities across its whole spectrum.

DRDO sources claim that the system damages targeted aircraft platforms by directing a concentrated laser beam using a radar-guided mechanism. It's an extremely effective counter-drone measure because of its accuracy and quick target neutralization.

"The DEW system provides an affordable air defense solution by providing a 'beam kill' in lieu of conventional ammunition," stated Dr. B.K. Das, DRDO's Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems). "This advancement significantly lowers per-engagement costs and enhances sustainability during prolonged operations."

With only a few resources needed per engagement, this laser weapon is far less expensive than traditional missile defense. It is economically feasible for long-term military operations because, according to experts, a few seconds of fire is equivalent to the price of a few liters of gasoline.

The milestone's strategic significance was underscored by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, who said, "This achievement is part of a broader initiative to build future-ready technologies, including directed energy weapons like high-power microwaves and electromagnetic pulse systems."

The creation of anti-drone technologies has become strategically necessary due to the growing number of unmanned aerial platforms in the world. India's own advancements in this field improve its defense capabilities while lowering its dependency on foreign defense equipment.

As part of a longer-term technology roadmap, the new laser weapon system is currently being prepared for broader manufacturing and deployment across military installations. Additionally, research is being conducted to develop more sophisticated variants.