India has developed a 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) to counter aerial threats like missiles, fixed-wing aircraft, and drone swarms.
This achievement places India among an elite group of nations—United States, China, and Russia—that possess advanced laser weapon technologies.
India Develops 30 KW Laser Weapon To Neutralize Aerial Threats
The advancement strengthens India’s position in global defense networks and opens possibilities for collaboration in DEW technology.
The weapon was developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad.
Testing took place in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where the system demonstrated its ability to intercept drones from long distances and destroy enemy surveillance devices.
The DEW can neutralize aerial threats within a 5-kilometer range.
It also has electronic warfare functions, including the jamming of communication and satellite signals.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat said this is just the beginning, as India is also pursuing high-energy microwave and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons for “Star Wars”-level defense capabilities.
The laser weapon boosts India’s preparedness across land and sea-based operations.
As aerial threats evolve with advancements in drones and surveillance systems, this technology provides a cost-effective long-range countermeasure.
It enhances India’s ability to address asymmetric warfare strategies, particularly the use of drone swarms.
Directed-energy weapons reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for expensive ammunition used in traditional missile defense systems.
DRDO is simultaneously developing high-energy microwave (HEM) systems and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons to further diversify its defense tools.
EMP weapons can disable electronic systems like communication networks, satellites, and command centers using powerful electromagnetic radiation bursts.
DRDO Designing EMP-Based Systems To Counter Enemy Drone Swarms Instantly
DRDO is designing EMP-based systems to counter enemy drone swarms instantly without needing physical destruction.
These EMP technologies are part of India’s evolving strategy for quick responses to electronic warfare challenges.
High-energy microwave (HEM) systems are being created to jam enemy communication, disrupt radar, and damage electronic circuits in UAVs and guided munitions.
HEM weapons use concentrated microwave energy to interfere with or destroy electronic components in enemy drones, missiles, and surveillance tools.
CHESS is leading the research on vehicle-mounted microwave weapons.
HEM systems have been proven effective against a variety of electronic threats and were successfully tested in recent demonstrations.
Project DURGA II is underway—this is a 100-kilowatt laser DEW being developed for long-range and precision targeting.
MK-II (A) Vehicle-Mounted Microwave Weapon was successfully tested in April 2025 and can neutralize airborne threats using high-energy microwaves.
These indigenous defense technologies support India’s broader mission of achieving self-reliance in military capabilities.
The new developments are set to be critical for modern warfare, especially in counter-drone operations and the protection of vital infrastructure.
