DRDO Successfully Test 30 KW First Laser Weapon Against Aircraft, Missiles, and Drones

India Achieves Breakthrough with Indigenous Laser Weapon System

In a groundbreaking move in defence technology, India has successfully tested its first-ever 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) capable of shooting down enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this feat marks India’s entry into an elite club of nations—alongside the United States, Russia, China, and Israel—with proven high-energy laser weapon systems.

This achievement not only showcases India’s ability to develop sophisticated futuristic weapons but also signals a shift towards non-kinetic warfare, where battles may be won with beams of light instead of bullets and explosives.

Capabilities and Features of the 30-kW Laser Weapon

The 30-kilowatt laser weapon system is designed to counter multiple types of aerial threats:

• Effective Range: Up to 5 kilometres

• Target Types: Fixed-wing aircraft, low-flying helicopters, incoming missiles, and drone swarms

• Mobility: Deployable on ground platforms or naval ships, and can be transported by air, rail, or road

• Precision Targeting: Equipped with Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors with 360-degree coverage

• Electronic Warfare Integration: Includes features like communication and satellite signal jamming

Its laser beam travels at the speed of light, allowing it to strike targets with incredible precision, instantly, and without the need for traditional ammunition.

India’s Growing Laser Arsenal and Strategic Vision

India’s foray into laser-based weapons started with systems like the Vehicle-Mounted Laser Dazzler (VMLD). Though non-lethal, the VMLD laid the foundation for more advanced systems. It was designed to dazzle or temporarily blind human targets during riot control and security operations.

Another notable development is DRDO’s Laser Beam Riding (LBR) guidance system, which guides missiles using encoded laser beams for enhanced accuracy. Unlike conventional systems, the LBR is less affected by dust, fog, and rain, making it highly reliable in diverse environments.

Next-Generation DEWs: DURGA II and Surya

The 30-kilowatt system is just the beginning. DRDO has launched ambitious projects to build even more powerful laser weapons:

1. DURGA II (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array)

   • Power: 100 kilowatts

   • Purpose: Lightweight and high-energy laser system

   • Status: Under testing

   • Target Types: Advanced drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft

2. Surya

   • Power: 300 kilowatts

   • Operational Range: Up to 20 kilometres

   • Target Capabilities: High-speed UAVs, ballistic missiles, and swarm threats

   • Planned for: Long-range engagements from both land and naval platforms

   • Revealed: March 2025

These next-gen DEWs promise not only greater firepower but also extended engagement ranges, redefining how India will tackle high-tech threats in the future.

Strategic Benefits and Future Potential

Laser weapons offer several critical advantages over traditional weapons:

• Speed: Lasers hit at the speed of light, giving almost zero reaction time to the enemy

• Cost-effectiveness: After initial investment, per-shot cost is negligible

• Unlimited Ammo: As long as power is available, the laser can keep firing

• Minimal Collateral Damage: Precise strikes make it ideal for dense urban or sensitive areas

• Counter-Swarm Capabilities: Perfect for taking down multiple drones or missiles simultaneously

As warfare evolves with growing use of drones, loitering munitions, and precision-guided missiles, directed-energy weapons offer a scalable and sustainable solution. India's investment in this field enhances its ability to counter modern aerial threats, while also strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence technology.

Conclusion

With the successful demonstration of the 30-kilowatt laser weapon system, India has made a giant leap in military preparedness. The weapon's deployment potential across land and sea platforms gives it strategic versatility and operational flexibility. The system’s ability to neutralize modern threats like drones and incoming missiles with precision and speed places India at the forefront of next-generation warfare.

The future development of more powerful systems like DURGA II and Surya underscores India's long-term commitment to directed-energy weapon technology. This technological evolution not only bolsters India’s national security but also reflects its rising stature as a global defence innovator.

As laser weapons continue to transition from science fiction to battlefield reality, India is now firmly positioned to shape the future of warfare—with light as its newest weapon.