India is moving ahead with the next phase of its indigenous directed-energy weapon programme as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) prepares to take its 30kW-class laser weapon towards industrial production. The system is designed primarily to counter drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and surveillance equipment, with a reported engagement range of up to 5 kilometres.
The laser weapon is mounted on a mobile truck platform, allowing it to be deployed where required and integrated into broader air-defence operations. Unlike conventional interceptors, which use physical ammunition to destroy an aerial target, a directed-energy weapon uses a concentrated laser beam to damage or disable the target. This gives the system the potential for repeated engagements without requiring a missile reload after every interception, although its effectiveness depends on available electrical power, thermal management and other operating conditions.
The 30kW system completed its final trials in August 2025, marking an important stage in the development programme. DRDO is now looking towards industry participation to support the transition from technology demonstration to manufacturing. The move comes amid growing military interest in counter-drone systems as inexpensive unmanned platforms can be deployed in large numbers, creating challenges for traditional air-defence systems that rely on comparatively costly interceptors.
India has been developing a broader family of laser-based weapons. A 2kW directed-energy system has entered production, while a 10kW system has cleared the Acceptance of Necessity stage and is intended to provide an engagement range of up to 2 kilometres. The 30kW weapon represents a higher-power capability, extending the reported range to approximately 5 kilometres.
The programme is also linked to India’s wider effort to establish layered air-defence capabilities, combining missiles, guns, electronic warfare and directed-energy technologies. DRDO is simultaneously pursuing higher-power systems in the 50kW and 100kW classes, indicating that research into laser-based air defence is continuing beyond the current 30kW configuration.
The shift towards industrial production will be a significant next step for the programme. If successfully scaled, the indigenous laser capability could provide another layer of protection against drones and other aerial threats while supporting India’s broader push to develop and manufacture advanced defence technologies domestically.