The DRDO’s Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW system successfully shot down drones in Andhra Pradesh, joining elite ranks of the US, Russia, and China in directed-energy defense tech.
Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh | April 13, 2025 — In a major leap in defense technology, India has successfully tested its most advanced laser-based weapon system, the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), capable of disabling enemy drones and projectiles within seconds.
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The trial took place at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool and marked India’s official entry into an elite club of nations — alongside the United States, China, and Russia — that possess operational directed-energy weapons.
#WATCH | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: For the first time, India has showcased its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones using a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system. India has joined list of selected countries, including the US, China, and Russia,… pic.twitter.com/fjGHmqH8N4
— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025
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The DEW system was developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Hyderabad-based Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Indian industries, and academic institutions.
“This is just the beginning of our journey towards ‘Star Wars’-like defense capabilities,” said DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, confirming India’s breakthrough in laser-based warfare systems.
A Glimpse into the Future of Warfare
Referred to by some as akin to Star Wars technology, the Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW is a high-precision, high-speed laser capable of neutralizing fixed-wing and swarm drones, surveillance equipment, and missile systems.
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The laser weapon uses radar or Electro-Optic (EO) systems to detect targets, and fires a focused high-energy laser beam to cause structural or critical system failure, ensuring minimal collateral damage.
Notably, this system reduces dependency on conventional ammunition and has proven more cost-effective than traditional missile-based defense systems.
What Makes the Laser-DEW Stand Out?
- Silent and Swift: Engages targets within seconds
- Multi-drone Capability: Can disable several targets in one engagement
- Low-Cost Operation: Reduces logistical burden in prolonged conflicts
- Next-Gen Tech: Part of DRDO’s broader initiative on high-energy microwaves and electromagnetic pulse weapons
What’s Next?
DRDO officials stated that India is also developing a full-scale military space doctrine, signaling a transformative approach to 21st-century warfare that includes cyber and space domains. As threats from UAVs and unmanned aerial systems grow, DEW is likely to replace many traditional kinetic systems in the future.
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