NEW DELHI:
Well, I think this is one of those moments that really changes the game for India’s defence capabilities. On Sunday, India successfully tested a locally developed laser weapon, and trust me, it’s not just a big deal—it’s a massive leap into the future.
If we look from this point of view, very few countries actually have the tech to shoot down drones and missiles using just lasers. And now, India’s in that club. According to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this new Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) showed it can bring down fixed-wing drones at long range, multiple swarm drones, and even surveillance equipment with ease.
For me, this was a very important step. The successful trial of the 30-kilowatt laser system happened at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, and it left no doubt about how lethal and precise this system is. The DRDO said that the laser hits its target in seconds, slicing through it with accuracy and speed that’s honestly kind of jaw-dropping.
“The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered at the target within a few seconds made it the most potent counter-drone system,” said the DRDO.
Now, if we look from the technology angle, this system was developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, with help from other government labs, universities, and private companies. So it’s not just a government win—it’s a team win.
How does it even work?
Here’s the cool part: the laser system uses radar or its own electro-optic (EO) sensor to detect a target, and then boom, it fires a laser beam at the speed of light. The beam cuts right through the structure, and if it hits a warhead, the result is even more powerful.
I think this changed the way we look at future warfare. Instead of using expensive missiles or bullets, we now have a cost-effective option that can hit targets with no physical ammunition at all. The cost? The DRDO says firing the laser for a few seconds costs about as much as a couple of litres of petrol. That’s insanely cheap compared to missiles worth crores.
“This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace,” the DRDO added.
And you know what? With drone warfare rising fast—just look at Ukraine-Russia—this couldn’t have come at a better time. Drones have taken over the battlefield. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh even said recently that in today’s wars, it’s not tanks or artillery doing the most damage—it’s the drones.
If we look from this point of view, laser weapons like DEWs are now absolutely essential. They’re also being considered for disabling electronic sensors on missiles, aircraft, drones, and even satellites.
Retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra explained it perfectly—these are weapons of the future. They don’t need huge logistics, they offer unlimited ammo, and they’re way cheaper than the old-school stuff.
“The DEW will soon replace traditional missile defence systems due to its ease of use and cost-effectiveness,” said DRDO.
I think this changed the way we need to think about modern defence. India’s move into this space is not just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic shift that signals we’re ready to handle new threats, especially drone swarms and fast-moving aerial targets.