India Tests ‘Star Wars’-Style Laser Weapon That Can Zap Drones in Seconds

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.

Also Read: India Glows Bright in Stunning NASA Image From Space-See

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.

Also Read: Mysterious Triangular Tower Found on Google Earth Inside Area 51 Sparks Alien Tech Buzz

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.

Also Read: So Good, Its Scary! Viral Video Blurs Reality and AI, Leaves Internet Shaken-Watch

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.

---

Tags:
India laser weapon, DRDO laser-DEW, Mk-II laser weapon, Directed Energy Weapon India, Star Wars weapon India, anti-drone laser, Indian defense technology, DRDO CHESS, India military tech, Andhra Pradesh laser test, India joins US China Russia laser tech