DRDO Develops 30 kW Directed-Energy Weapon

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a 30 kW-class directed-energy weapon (DEW) under the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-IIA. The system is designed to counter drone swarms, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and surveillance sensors.

Directed-Energy Weapon

A directed-energy weapon uses concentrated energy, usually laser or microwave energy, to damage or disable a target. The 30 kW laser weapon under development can engage targets at ranges of up to 5 km and can damage structures or disable electronic sensors.

Trials and Test Site

The final trials of the 30 kW DEW concluded in August 2025. On 13 April 2025, the truck-mounted Mk-II(A) laser-DEW system was demonstrated at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. During the trial, it engaged fixed-wing drones at long range, countered a multiple-drone attack, and destroyed surveillance sensors and antennae.

Industrial Production and Technology Transfer

DRDO is expected to begin selecting an industry production partner for the 30 kW DEW within six months from September 2026. The technology for the 30 kW variant has received clearance for Transfer of Technology (ToT) to Indian industry partners for indigenous production and deployment.

Important Facts for Exams

• Directed-energy weapons are classified by the type of energy used, and laser-based systems are one major category.
• Drone swarms are groups of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles operating together in a coordinated manner.
• The National Open Air Range (NOAR) is a test range located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
• High-power laser weapon capability at this level places India among a small group of countries with such systems.

Future Development

DRDO is also working on 50-100 kW directed-energy weapons and a 300 kW laser project reportedly codenamed Surya. The 30 kW system is part of India’s indigenous counter-drone and air-defence technology development programme.