In a groundbreaking development for India’s defense capabilities, the country has successfully tested a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system capable of neutralizing fixed-wing aircraft, swarm drones, and missiles. This marks a major leap forward in indigenous military technology and places India among a select group of nations—alongside the United States, China, Russia, and possibly Israel—with demonstrated expertise in directed-energy weapons (DEWs).
The system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is now ready for deployment and can be adapted for a range of military platforms. Officials say it will soon be integrated into India’s defense forces, including ground and naval units.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, chairman of DRDO, emphasized that the successful demonstration is just the beginning of India’s journey into futuristic weapons technology. “We are working on several high-energy systems including electromagnetic pulses and high-energy microwaves. This is only one element of a broader Star Wars-like arsenal we envision,” he said.
The laser system, which can engage targets within a 5-kilometer radius, is equipped with a 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite that enables high-precision targeting. It is designed to track and neutralize aerial threats such as drones and helicopters and can jam both communication and satellite links. The system’s modular design allows for deployment via land, air, sea, and rail—enhancing India’s rapid response capabilities in multi-domain operations.
Highlighting the system’s effectiveness, Dr. BK Das, DRDO’s Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems, called it a milestone in technological maturity. “For the first time, we have demonstrated real-time deployment and destruction capabilities. This system is completely indigenous, developed through collaboration between DRDO labs, private startups, academic institutions, and industry partners,” he said. He also noted that naval variants of the system are currently in the works.
Dr. Jagannath Nayak, who heads DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), elaborated on the system’s performance during trials. “We successfully intercepted and destroyed fixed-wing aircraft and a swarm of drones using laser beams. The advantage of a laser weapon lies in its ability to engage multiple targets with pinpoint accuracy and without physical projectiles. It’s a massless, energy-driven system, and this trial proves its operational viability.”
Beyond this achievement, India is also developing a more powerful 300-kilowatt version of the laser weapon, code-named “Surya.” This advanced system is expected to target faster and more agile threats such as high-speed missiles and unmanned aerial systems at distances of up to 20 kilometers. The Surya project is seen as a significant stride in strengthening India’s missile defense and counter-drone architecture.
The global defense landscape is increasingly shifting toward energy-based weapons due to their speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness over traditional arms. India’s entrance into this domain not only reflects its growing technological prowess but also bolsters its readiness for modern combat scenarios where threats are more dynamic and unpredictable.
With the successful demonstration of this laser weapon system, India has taken a major step toward enhancing its defense capabilities through cutting-edge, homegrown innovation. The future of warfare is changing—and India is clearly positioning itself to be at the forefront.
