At dawn, a drone swarm hovers near a guarded facility, and a narrow beam of light slices through the air. The scene is not fiction. It signals a new era in air defense where lasers stand alongside guns and missiles to neutralize threats in seconds.

India is accelerating its laser defense program. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have developed a 10-kilowatt high-energy laser and a vehicle-mounted system that can detect, track, and neutralize hostile UAVs. The configuration combines radar, electro-optical sensors, and infrared detectors to identify drones as far as 5 to 8 kilometres away, before unleashing a dual strategy of soft kill electronic jamming and hard kill laser disabling.

According to Mathrubhumi English, the joint effort by DRDO and BEL under the Make in India initiative aims to detect, track, and neutralize UAVs with high precision while maintaining mobility for field units. The system is vehicle-mounted and integrates layered sensors and weaponry to create a multi-layered defense that can counter low-RCS drones that often evade traditional radar.

The induction plan is ambitious. The Indian Army and Indian Air Force will bring 16 indigenous laser anti-drone systems into service, a move designed to extend engagement ranges and cut through drone swarms that threaten critical infrastructure. The 10 kW lasers provide a hard-kill range up to 2 kilometres, representing a meaningful upgrade over earlier generations of laser countermeasures.

DRDO is not stopping at 2 kilometres. The agency is advancing more powerful variants, including a 30-kilowatt laser with a 5-kilometre range and a 300-kilowatt flagship, nicknamed “Surya,” with a 20-kilometre reach under development to counter fixed-wing aircraft, drone swarms, and missiles. These programs are meant to be deployed rapidly to reinforce frontline air defenses and to complement interceptor missiles in future conflicts.

For defense planners, the message is clear: laser based weapons are moving from the lab to the battlefield, signaling a shift in cost, reliability, and speed. India joins a small set of nations with operational high-energy laser systems, alongside the United States, China, and Russia, and the move is likely to influence regional security calculations in South Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.

Why this matters

The practical value of a 10 kW laser on a mobile platform is real. It offers rapid neutralization of threats at short to mid ranges, which can be crucial for protecting bases and critical infrastructure without risking large collateral damage or expensive munitions. The combined approach of soft kill, through electronic jamming, and hard kill, via a directed-energy beam, enables a layered defense that can adapt to evolving drone tactics, including swarms and stealthy, low radar signatures.

Industry observers note that a domestic value chain around DRDO and BEL helps reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for key defense capabilities. The collaboration under the Make in India umbrella also opens potential export opportunities for cost-effective, mobile laser counters in regions facing border tensions and critical infrastructure protection needs. However, policy and export controls on directed-energy tech will shape how quickly these systems can reach foreign customers.

From an operator’s perspective, the shift requires new training, maintenance protocols, and integration with existing air defense grids. A laser countermeasure system must be paired with radar coverage, EO/IR tracking, and command-and-control platforms to maximize effectiveness while ensuring safety around noncombatants and airspace users. The mobile, vehicle-mounted design of India’s laser anti-drone systems is especially suited for forward bases, port facilities, and other high-value sites where rapid redeployment matters.

What this signals for the market and defense industry

The move signals a broader trend toward practical directed-energy solutions that can be scaled, tested in real-world conditions, and produced domestically. For suppliers, it elevates the importance of reliable power sources, compact beam control, and rugged sensor suites that can withstand harsh environments. For policymakers, the key questions will be about interoperability with allied systems, export licensing, and the long-term lifecycle costs of laser anti-drone systems as part of a broader air defense modernization program.

Operational considerations

Operators must balance speed, safety, and effectiveness. Laser systems require careful safety protocols to prevent harm to personnel and unintended aircraft. They also depend on robust power generation and cooling to maintain peak performance in varied climates. In the field, seamless data sharing between radar, EO/IR, and the laser system will be essential to realize the full advantage of the new capability.

FAQ

What is a laser anti-drone system? It uses a high-energy beam to disable or destroy a drone after it is detected and tracked. It complements electronic warfare by providing a direct, rapid neutralization method.

Who developed India’s system? The DRDO and BEL developed the system under the Make in India program, with plans to induct 16 units for the Army and Air Force.

Conclusion

India’s push to field indigenous laser anti-drone systems marks a tangible shift in defense posture. By combining detection networks with both electronic and direct-energy countermeasures, New Delhi aims to create a flexible, mobile, layered shield against drone threats. The broader implication is clear: directed-energy weapons are moving from morning briefings to real-world readiness, shaping regional security dynamics and accelerating domestic tech ecosystems.