DRDO Successfully Trials Indigenous 30kW Laser Weapon System

India has entered an exclusive group of nations by successfully testing a 30-kilowatt laser-directed energy weapon (DEW), capable of disabling and destroying unmanned aerial vehicles, drone swarms, surveillance hardware and missile threats.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the trial at a designated range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. This marks India as the fourth nation with this capability, joining the ranks of the United States, China and Russia in the deployment of high-energy laser weapons.

The weapon, identified as the Mk-II(A) DEW system, was developed through a collaboration between DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, and Indian academic and industrial partners. It demonstrated operational capabilities across its entire spectrum, successfully targeting fixed-wing drones, neutralizing surveillance sensors, and intercepting multiple aerial threats simultaneously.

According to DRDO sources, the system employs a concentrated laser beam, directed using a radar-guided mechanism, to inflict damage on targeted aerial platforms. The precision and swift neutralization of targets make it a highly effective counter-drone measure.

"The DEW system offers a cost-effective solution for air defence, delivering a 'beam kill' instead of relying on conventional ammunition," said Dr. B.K. Das, Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems), DRDO. "This advancement significantly lowers per-engagement costs and enhances sustainability during prolonged operations."

Unlike traditional missile defence, this laser weapon operates at a fraction of the cost, requiring only minimal resources per engagement. Experts estimate that a few seconds of firing equates to the cost of a few litres of fuel, making it economically viable for sustained military campaigns.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat emphasized the strategic importance of this milestone, stating, "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 increased proliferation of unmanned aerial platforms globally has made the development of anti-drone technologies a strategic imperative. India's indigenous progress in this area enhances its defence infrastructure while reducing reliance on imported defence systems.

The new laser weapon system is now being prepared for wider production and deployment across military installations, with further research ongoing to evolve more advanced variants as part of a long-term technological roadmap.