India is significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities with the introduction of advanced laser weapon systems. The Indian Army and Air Force are slated to receive 16 sophisticated indigenous drone detection and interdiction systems. These systems are engineered to not only identify enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) but to eliminate them mid-air using powerful laser technology, effective up to 2 kilometers.
The next generation of drone defense is nearing deployment with DRDO’s Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mark 2). This system is equipped with a potent 10-kilowatt laser, capable of destroying drones at twice the range of the initial model. This development is seen as a strategic imperative, particularly in response to adversarial drone swarm tactics. India is reinforcing its defenses to ensure decisive victories against such threats.
Looking further into the future, DRDO is advancing a 30-kilowatt ‘direct energy weapon’ system that has successfully engaged targets at a distance of 5 kilometers. This next-generation system is currently undergoing field trials and is expected to establish a robust defense perimeter against a wide array of aerial threats.
India has now joined an elite international club, alongside the US, China, and Russia, in possessing the capability to neutralize aerial threats with laser weapons. Demonstrations have proven the effectiveness of these systems against fixed-wing drones and swarms, causing immediate damage and disabling critical components.
The evolving nature of warfare, heavily influenced by drone technology, necessitates advanced counter-measures. India’s strategic deployment of these laser systems is vital for protecting its extensive border regions and critical military infrastructure from potential aerial threats.
DRDO’s long-term vision includes developing a complete spectrum of futuristic defense technologies. This includes directed energy weapons like high-power microwaves and electromagnetic pulse systems, aimed at providing India with what is termed ‘Star Wars capability’ for aerial defense.