[🇮🇳] DRDO tests laser-based weapon system, destroys drones in seconds

[Krishna with Flute]

Date of Event: Jun 7, 2025

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-laser-dew-trial-kurnool-drone-drdo-weapons-system-2708401-2025-04-13

DRDO tests laser-based weapon system, destroys drones in seconds​

The laser-based weapons system engaged fixed-wing drones at long ranges, thwarted multiple drone attacks, and destroyed enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.​

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India tests Laser Directed Weapon(DEW) MK-II(A)


Manjeet Negi
New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 13, 2025 19:34 IST
Edited By: Akshat Trivedi

In Short​

• System thwarts drones, destroys enemy sensors
• India joins nations with high-power Laser-DEW tech
• Cost-effective defence against low-cost drone attacks

The successful trial of a laser-based weapons system has put India amongst the few nations, including the US, China, and Russia, equipped with high-power Laser-DEW technology, capable of neutralising missiles, drones, and smaller projectiles.

The indigenously developed 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system underwent a successful trial by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool.

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It engaged fixed-wing drones at long ranges, thwarted multiple drone attacks, and destroyed enemy surveillance sensors and antennae. "The lightning speed of engagement, the precision, and the lethality delivered at the target within a few seconds made it the most potent Counter Drone System," an official said.


The Mk-II(A) DEW system is designed and developed by DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in collaboration with LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, academic institutions, and Indian industries. It showcased its entire range of capabilities during the demonstration.


The laser-DEW systems detect targets using radar or their inbuilt Electro Optic (EO) system and engage them at the speed of light. The intense laser beam can cause structural failures by cutting through the target or deliver more impactful results by targeting warheads.

This technology is anticipated to revolutionise the battlefield by reducing the dependency on costly ammunition and minimising the risk of collateral damage.

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The requirement for cost-effective defence solutions to offset the low-cost drone attacks is driving the adoption of DEWs by military organisations worldwide.