New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to induct 16 indigenous laser-based anti-drone systems. These cutting-edge systems, powered by a 10-kilowatt high-energy laser, boast a hard-kill effective range of up to 2 kilometres, doubling the engagement distance of previous models.

Developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, these systems are designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with precision. The vehicle-mounted systems integrate radar, electro-optical sensors, and infrared detectors capable of detecting drones at 5 to 8 kilometres, employing a dual strategy of “soft kill” electronic jamming and “hard kill” laser disabling.

The induction decision comes in the wake of proven effectiveness during recent conflicts. During the May 2025 Operation Sindoor, these anti-drone systems successfully neutralised hundreds of low-radar-cross-section drones deployed by adversaries, protecting critical military installations without casualties. Earlier combat successes include downing a Chinese-origin drone near the Line of Control in April 2025.

Beyond the current induction, DRDO is advancing more powerful laser weapons, including a 30-kilowatt system with a 5-kilometre range that demonstrated capability against fixed-wing aircraft and drone swarms, and a 300-kilowatt “Surya” laser with a 20-kilometre range under development to counter high-speed missiles and aircraft.

With these developments, India joins the elite group of countries, including the United States, China, and Russia, in fielding operational high-energy laser directed-energy weapons. This marks a significant step forward in modernising India’s layered air defence and enhancing its preparedness against emerging aerial threats in a rapidly evolving security environment.