India is taking another step towards deploying indigenous directed-energy weapons, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) preparing to identify an industry partner for its 30kW-class laser weapon. The move is aimed at taking the system towards a first-of-production model after successful trials demonstrated its ability to counter a range of aerial threats.
The truck-mounted laser-directed energy weapon has been developed primarily as a counter-drone system. According to recent details shared by DRDO officials, the 30kW system is designed to engage drone swarms, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and surveillance sensors at ranges of up to 5 kilometres. DRDO completed the final trials of the system in August 2025, establishing the technology for the next stage of development.
DRDO is now expected to issue an Expression of Interest within the next six months to identify an industry partner that can take the weapon towards its first-of-production configuration. The move reflects the organisation’s broader approach of transferring mature technologies to Indian industry while retaining its focus on advanced defence research and development.
The 30kW laser system builds on India’s earlier work in high-energy laser weapons. In April 2025, DRDO demonstrated the Laser Directed Energy Weapon Mk-II(A) at Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. During the demonstration, the system successfully engaged a fixed-wing UAV and a swarm of drones, while also disabling surveillance sensors. DRDO’s own reporting on the demonstration described the system as a vehicle-mounted laser weapon developed by its Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS).
India has also demonstrated the integration of high-power laser technology into a broader air-defence architecture. In August 2025, DRDO conducted the maiden flight trials of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System, which combined QRSAM, VSHORADS and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon. During the trials, three aerial targets, including two high-speed fixed-wing UAV targets and a multi-copter drone, were engaged and destroyed by different components of the integrated system.
Directed-energy weapons are attracting increasing attention because drones can be deployed in large numbers at relatively low cost. Unlike conventional interceptors, laser systems use a focused energy beam to engage a target and do not require a conventional missile or ammunition round for every engagement. Their effectiveness, however, depends on factors including available power, target characteristics and operating conditions.
DRDO is also developing higher-power directed-energy technologies, including 50kW and 100kW-class systems, as India works to strengthen its layered air-defence network. The 30kW weapon therefore represents an important stage in the transition of India’s indigenous laser technology from successful demonstrations towards potential operational production.