India successfully tested a high-powered laser weapon system that can disable fixed-wing and swarm drones. The test was conducted at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool. India is now among four or five nations that possess such advanced defence technology.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) asserted that the system, named the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), has the capability to destroy drones and small projectiles with great accuracy. The weapon, which was developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, involved co-operation with a number of academic institutions and Indian industries.
#WATCH | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: For the first time, India has showcased its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones using a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system. India has joined list of selected countries, including the US, China, and Russia,… pic.twitter.com/fjGHmqH8N4
— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025
One of very few countries with this technology
Talking to ANI, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat stated, “To the best of my knowledge, it is the United States, Russia and China who have shown this capability. Israel too is developing similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth nation in the world to show this system.”
Inspired by ‘Star Wars’
Drawing an analogy from science fiction, Kamat said, “This is just the start of the journey. The synergy that this lab has created with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon.”
He also added, “We are also developing other high energy systems such as high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse. So we are developing a number of technologies that will provide us with Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the pieces of Star Wars technologies.”
How the system works
The Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW system attacks targets quickly with near-immediate accuracy. The laser beam identifies drones and destroys essential components such as surveillance sensors and antennae. Once detected by radar or its onboard Electro-Optic (EO) system, the high-intensity beam results in structural failure or eliminates the threat altogether.
An affordable solution for advanced warfare
Officials maintain that the DEW system can possibly replace conventional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems owing to its efficacy and affordability. Its capacity for simultaneous engagement of multiple drones as well as having little collateral damage makes it a strategic edge for warfare today.
With the global reliance on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), India’s lead in laser defence puts it well-placed within the changing battlefield of military technology.
