In a landmark achievement for India’s defence capabilities, the country has successfully tested a high-energy Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, marking its entry into an elite group of nations with advanced laser-based weaponry. The demonstration of the indigenously developed Mk-II(A) DEW system took place at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, showcasing its precision strike capabilities against fixed-wing drones and drone swarms.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the 30-kilowatt laser weapon system is capable of neutralising aerial threats at lightning speed. Officials said it demonstrated remarkable performance in destroying surveillance drones, sensors, and antennas in seconds—without relying on conventional ammunition.
#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/4VbRNG7CZ0
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) April 13, 2025
“This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon… We are also working on other high energy systems like high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse,” said DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat.
#WATCH | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat says, “…This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon… We are also working on other… https://t.co/toO7xuAo9K pic.twitter.com/VjC9tS6WGF
— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025
The Mk-II(A) DEW system, designed and developed in collaboration with DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), along with other DRDO labs—LRDE, IRDE, DLRL—and Indian academic and industrial partners, demonstrated its entire operational spectrum during the trial. Once a target is detected either through radar or its onboard Electro-Optic system, the laser beam can engage and destroy it at the speed of light, offering almost instantaneous response against hostile drones.
What sets the laser-DEW system apart is not just its accuracy and speed, but also its cost-effectiveness. According to DRDO officials, the operational cost of firing the system for a few seconds is comparable to just a few litres of petrol—making it a sustainable and economical alternative to traditional missile defence systems.
As drone warfare becomes increasingly prevalent and asymmetric threats like drone swarms pose new challenges to national security, the development of directed energy weapons offers a revolutionary countermeasure. The Mk-II(A) system positions India at the forefront of next-generation defence technology and sets the stage for future innovations in energy-based combat systems.
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