India Unveils Laser Weapon That Destroys Drones at Light Speed

India has joined the list of elite countries — US, China and Russia, after demonstrating its capacity to neutralize fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones with a 30-KW laser‑directed energy weapon.

The laser-powered weapon was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Kurnool, making Andhra Pradesh specially proud of the achievement. A team of DRDO officials tested the 30-KW laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) with positive results. 

The indigenously designed and developed Mk‑II(A) DEW System was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae. The weapon was developed by the DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad.

The spontaneity of the weapon — lightning speed of engagement and its precision in striking in just a few seconds, make it one of the most potent counter-drone systems. The laser weapon could target aerial threats like drones and helicopters within a range of 5 km, along with electronic warfare capabilities like jamming communication and satellite signals.

The weapon was tested at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, disabling multiple aerial targets at the speed of light. The system tracks threats with either an onboard electro-optic sensor or external radar cue and burns through the target’s structure, causing catastrophic failure. Officials called it a low-cost answer to the growing drone threat.