India’s 30kW Laser Shield Nears Production as DRDO Targets Next-Generation Drone Defence

India’s development of high-energy laser weapons is entering a new phase, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) preparing to move its 30kW-class laser-directed energy weapon towards production. The system has been developed to provide a high-precision response against drones and other aerial threats, adding a new technology layer to India’s counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities.

The latest step involves plans to identify an Indian industry partner that can help transform the technology into its first production configuration. DRDO is expected to issue an Expression of Interest for the programme within the next six months. The move follows the completion of trials of the 30kW system, which demonstrated the underlying technology and its ability to engage aerial targets.

The vehicle-mounted weapon is designed primarily for counter-drone missions and can engage drone swarms, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and surveillance-related equipment. Its reported engagement range extends to around 5 kilometres, depending on the target and operating conditions.

The system was developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), which has been working on high-power laser and directed-energy technologies. Earlier demonstrations at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, showcased the system against different types of unmanned targets. The demonstrations included engagements involving fixed-wing drones and multiple drones, along with the disabling of surveillance sensors.

Unlike conventional air-defence systems that rely on missiles or other physical interceptors, a directed-energy weapon uses a concentrated energy beam against a target. This gives laser systems a different approach to dealing with unmanned threats, particularly in situations involving repeated engagements or multiple small aerial targets.

The push towards an industry partner also indicates a shift from technology demonstration to industrialisation. Once the production partner is selected, the next phase will focus on converting the demonstrated system into a configuration suitable for manufacturing and potential induction.

DRDO is simultaneously pursuing more powerful directed-energy technologies, including systems in the 50kW and 100kW classes. These programmes form part of India’s broader effort to develop indigenous technologies for future air-defence and counter-drone requirements.

The 30kW laser programme therefore represents an important transition point for India’s directed-energy weapons programme. With the technology having undergone trials and an industry partnership now being pursued, the focus is shifting towards taking the indigenous laser system from the testing environment into a potential production pathway.