Indian Army, IAF to Induct 16 Laser-Based Anti-Drone Systems With 2 km Range
India is set to strengthen its frontline air defence with the induction of sixteen indigenous laser anti-drone systems for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The systems, jointly developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited, use a 10-kilowatt high-energy laser capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising small UAVs, including coordinated drone swarms. Their 2 kilometre strike range represents a major improvement over earlier versions that operated at roughly half this distance.
The platforms are designed for mobile deployment on military vehicles and integrate radar, electro-optical sensors and infrared detectors that can spot incoming drones at ranges between 5 and 8 kilometres. They use both electronic jamming for soft-kill disruption and laser-based hard-kill engagement for complete neutralisation. The new capability is expected to enhance security across sensitive border regions, airbases and critical infrastructure, particularly after drone activity spiked during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
DRDO is already testing more powerful directed-energy systems, including a 30-kilowatt laser with a projected 5 kilometre range and the high-capacity Surya laser, expected to reach 20 kilometres for intercepting missiles and aircraft. Despite challenges such as weather-related performance loss, field power requirements and rapid drone evolution, the armed forces aim to integrate these systems into existing command networks while training operators for deployment.
The induction marks a significant milestone for Make in India and places the country among a select group with operational high-energy laser weapons, reinforcing a layered defence against modern aerial threats.
