In a major technological breakthrough, India has joined a select league of nations capable of deploying high-energy laser weapons to neutralise drones and other aerial threats. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated its indigenously developed Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool.
According to DRDO officials quoted by news agency ANI, the system—powered by a 30-kilowatt laser beam—can engage and destroy fixed-wing drones, swarm drones, surveillance sensors, and antennae with lightning speed and precision. The successful trial marks India’s entry into an exclusive group of countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, that have developed similar high-energy laser capabilities.
Speaking to ANI, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat said, “As far as I know, it is the United States, Russia and China that have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities. I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system.”
