DRDO demonstrates 30-Kw laser to destroy hostile drones

The next revolution in air defense could come from weapons that fire light instead of missiles. But the United States has awarded its first production contract for high-energy laser weapons. And India's DRDO has now issued procurement tenders for airborne laser technology. This follows successful Indian tests of lasers designed to destroy hostile drones. Here's a report with more details. The United States is taking laser weapons into production. In September, the U.S. Army awarded a contract worth nearly $465 million to AeroVironment. The company will supply dozens of its 30-kilowatt Loctris laser systems and it claims the drone can be destroyed for less than $5 per engagement, a potentially significant advantage when expensive interceptor missiles are being used against cheap drones. Well, India is also advancing its directed energy weapons. In April 2025, DRDO demonstrated its 30-kilowatt-class MK-2A laser system at Kurnool. The system successfully engaged drone targets and demonstrated the ability to disable surveillance sensors. Now, DRDO's procurement records point to another development. On 5th of October, it issued a tender for two gimballed pod units for an airborne laser-directed energy weapon. A separate procurement seeks an airborne battery system for high-power lasers. Well, in simple terms, DRDO is working on the technology needed to aim in a powerful laser accurately from an aircraft even while it is moving. The battery system would provide the electrical power needed to fire the laser, while the gimbal pod would help keep the beam steady and focused on its target. From ground-based drone killers to airborne laser technology, India's directed energy program is moving forward. The next step is turning successful demonstrations and development projects into reliable, deployable weapons.