DRDO's Indigenous 30 kW Directed-Energy Laser Weapon Completes Trials

Key Facts

• DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) developed the 30 kW-class directed-energy weapon.
• Integrated into the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-IIA.
• Demonstrated successfully on 13 April 2025 at National Open Air Range (NOAR), Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
• Capable of engaging and disabling drone swarms, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and surveillance sensors at ranges of up to 5 kilometres.
• Technology received clearance for Transfer of Technology (ToT) to Indian industry for indigenous production and deployment.

Background & Context

Directed-energy weapons use concentrated energy, often laser or microwave, to inflict damage or disable targets quickly and precisely. The 30 kW DEW is a significant technological milestone for India, representing a leap from earlier lower-power prototypes, developed over nearly a decade of research. It forms a critical part of India’s multi-layered air defense and counter-drone strategy, addressing emerging threats from drone swarms and sophisticated UAVs, increasingly prevalent in modern warfare. The vehicle-mounted system's trials demonstrated its efficacy against multiple hostile aerial and sensor targets, underscoring advancements in indigenous technology and self-reliance.

Why This Matters for Exams

This development places India among a small group of nations possessing operational high-power directed-energy weapons, highlighting strides in indigenous defense technology. Understanding this weapon system’s capabilities, strategic importance, and its role within broader counter-drone and air defense frameworks is essential knowledge for candidates preparing for competitive examinations focused on current defense technologies and India’s military advancements.

Points to Remember

• The 30 kW DEW engages targets at up to 5 km range.
• Tested successfully against fixed-wing UAVs, drone swarms, and surveillance sensors.
• The system is a vehicle-mounted laser weapon developed by DRDO's CHESS laboratory.
• Demonstrated at the National Open Air Range, Kurnool, on 13 April 2025.
• Technology transfer to Indian industry is planned, enabling indigenous mass production.
• The system forms part of India’s Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-IIA.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

Which organisation developed India's 30 kW directed-energy weapon under the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-IIA?

1. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
2. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
3. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
4. Indian Army

Answer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Question 2

Where was the 30 kW directed-energy weapon successfully demonstrated in April 2025?

1. New Delhi
2. Kurnool
3. Hyderabad
4. Chennai

Answer: Kurnool

Question 3

What is the maximum engagement range of the 30 kW directed-energy laser weapon?

1. 2 km
2. 3 km
3. 5 km
4. 10 km

Answer: 5 km