The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to significantly enhance their counter-drone capabilities with the induction of 16 indigenously developed laser-based drone detection and interdiction systems. The Ministry of Defence is expected to approve the procurement of these systems, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
These advanced systems represent a major step forward in India's ability to neutralize the growing threat posed by enemy drones. Recent conflicts have highlighted the increasing reliance of hostile forces on drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and potentially offensive operations. The new systems will provide a robust defense against such threats, bolstering the security of military installations and other strategic assets.
The DRDO-developed Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mark 2) boasts the capability to engage enemy drones with laser beams at a range of up to 2 kilometers. This is a significant upgrade from the earlier version, which had a laser engagement range of approximately 1 kilometer. The system utilizes a 10-kilowatt laser to disable the drones, causing structural damage or disrupting their surveillance capabilities.
In addition to the 2-kilometer range systems, the DRDO is also developing long-range laser-based drone detection and interception systems. These advanced systems will incorporate a 30-kilowatt laser-based direct energy weapon, capable of engaging targets at a distance of 5 kilometers. DRDO has already test-fired the direct energy weapon system. These trials are being conducted with the active participation of the Indian defense forces.
India showcased its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones using a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system for the first time in April. This demonstration placed India among a select group of nations, including the US, China, and Russia, that have demonstrated such advanced capabilities. The field demonstration of the Land version of Vehicle-mounted Laser laser-directed weapon DEW MK-II(A) was conducted by the Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences CHESS, a DRDO lab, in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
The DRDO has been actively developing anti-drone technology, which includes detection capabilities, soft kill options (jamming communication links), and hard kill options (laser-based destruction of drones). The DRDO has also developed a larger and more powerful 30-kilowatt laser-based counter-drone system that can take down bigger drones, aircraft, and even cruise missiles as part of an air defence setup. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a key partner in manufacturing these indigenous counter-drone systems.
The Indian Army has already inducted seven Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems, developed by the DRDO, to tackle the growing drone threat, especially along the Pakistan border. These systems are equipped with a 2-kilowatt laser beam capable of destroying enemy drones at a range of 800 to 1,000 meters. The Army is also set to acquire nine more laser-based anti-drone systems under emergency procurement powers.
These new systems are being acquired as part of an emergency acquisition plan approved by the Defence Ministry to strengthen the Army's counter-terror and counter-infiltration capabilities.
