In an era where drone swarms have emerged as a dominant asymmetric threat in conflicts across Ukraine, the Middle East, and beyond, traditional kinetic air defence systems—reliant on costly missiles and ammunition—are increasingly strained. Low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and coordinated drone attacks can overwhelm defences through sheer numbers, saturating interceptors and driving up operational expenses. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is addressing this challenge head-on with advanced Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), particularly high-power laser systems. These offer speed-of-light engagement, precision targeting, and a virtually unlimited “magazine” limited only by power supply, positioning them as a potentially transformative solution for countering drone swarms.
Breakthrough in Laser DEW Technology: The Mk-II(A) Sahastra Shakti
The centrepiece of DRDO’s recent progress is the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon, also known as Sahastra Shakti. Developed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, this vehicle-mounted 30-kilowatt system combines multiple laser beams (typically six 5 kW units) to deliver focused energy capable of neutralising aerial threats.
In a landmark field demonstration on April 13, 2025, at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, the Mk-II(A) showcased its full capabilities. It successfully engaged fixed-wing UAVs at extended ranges, thwarted simulated multiple-drone swarm attacks (with reports indicating neutralisation of several drones in coordinated strikes), caused structural damage to targets, and disabled surveillance sensors, antennae, and electro-optical systems. The system operates by directing an intense laser beam that rapidly heats the target, leading to thermal failure, melting of components, or sensor blinding—often within seconds.
The trials confirmed effective performance in realistic conditions, with engagement ranges reported between 3.5 km and up to 5 km for smaller drones and low-flying threats. The Mk-II(A) was later showcased in the 2025 Republic Day parade, highlighting its maturity. This achievement places India among an elite group of nations—including the US, China, Russia, and Israel—with operational high-power laser DEW demonstrations.
Why Lasers Excel Against Drone Swarms
Modern drone warfare exploits the economics of attrition: a basic quadcopter or loitering munition might cost just a few thousand dollars, while defending against it with a missile can run into tens or hundreds of thousands. Laser DEWs invert this dynamic with near-zero marginal cost per shot—primarily electricity and minor maintenance—estimated in some analyses at under $100 per engagement.
Key advantages include:
- Instantaneous Engagement: Travelling at the speed of light, the beam requires no lead time or projectile trajectory calculations, ideal for fast-moving, manoeuvring small UAVs.
- Precision and Scalability: Integrated radar and electro-optical tracking allow rapid retargeting. A single system can sequentially engage multiple drones in a swarm without reloading.
- Deep Magazine: Unlike guns or missiles with finite ammunition, lasers can fire repeatedly as long as power and cooling are sustained, making them suited for prolonged swarm assaults.
- Low Collateral Risk: Silent and invisible in many wavelengths, they minimise explosive hazards to friendly forces or civilians.
These traits make high-power lasers particularly effective for tactical counter-UAS roles, where swarms aim to saturate layered defences. DRDO has noted that such systems could increasingly supplement or replace kinetic options for low-cost aerial threats due to their efficiency and ease of operation.
Complementary Efforts and Future Roadmap
DRDO is not limiting itself to lasers. The organisation is advancing the ambitious DURGA-II (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array) programme, targeting higher-power (approaching 100 kW) lightweight systems for broader strategic applications, including against missiles, helicopters, and other platforms. Earlier prototypes, such as 10 kW multi-channel lasers, have seen technology transfers to private industry for scaled manufacturing.
In parallel, DRDO is developing truck-mounted High-Power Microwave (HPM) DEWs. These systems emit intense electromagnetic pulses to disrupt or fry drone electronics (“soft kill”) over wider areas, proving effective against swarms at around 1 km currently, with goals to reach 5 km by mid-2026. HPM complements lasers: while lasers provide precise hard-kill on individual targets, microwaves can blanket and disable groups simultaneously.
Power scaling remains a focus, with prototypes for 50 kW solid-state lasers in development and ambitions for even higher outputs. Integration with AI-driven detection, autonomous tracking, and multi-layered air defence networks is underway, alongside user trials with the Army and Air Force.
Challenges and Realistic Path Forward
Despite promising demonstrations, laser weapons face practical hurdles. Atmospheric conditions—fog, rain, dust, or turbulence—can attenuate the beam, reducing range and effectiveness. High-energy systems demand substantial electrical power, robust cooling, and precise beam control, currently making them vehicle-based rather than man-portable or widely integrated on aircraft/ships.
They are most potent against soft, small targets like Group 1–3 drones at tactical ranges; hardened threats or very long-distance engagements may require further power increases. The 2025 trials mark successful technology demonstration, but full operational induction, reliability in all weather, and large-scale production will require additional time, testing, and private-sector involvement under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
A hybrid approach—combining lasers and HPM with traditional kinetic systems (guns, missiles, jammers), electronic warfare, and advanced radars—will likely form the complete counter-drone shield.
Strategic Significance for India
Facing frequent drone incursions along its borders and the global proliferation of affordable UAS technology, India stands to gain significantly from indigenous DEWs. These systems enhance self-reliance, reduce long-term defence costs, and provide a scalable edge against massed low-cost swarms that could otherwise overwhelm conventional assets.
DRDO’s rapid progress—from earlier lower-power efforts to the proven 30 kW Mk-II(A) and ongoing HPM advancements—signals a maturing capability. As global militaries race toward directed-energy solutions, India’s investments position it competitively while addressing immediate battlefield realities.
In essence, high-power laser weapons like the Sahastra Shakti are not yet a universal panacea, but they represent a cost-effective, high-precision paradigm shift. With continued scaling to 50–100 kW and system integration, they could render large-scale drone swarms far less effective, reshaping future air defence doctrine for India and beyond.
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