India recently accomplished an important advancement in defense technology with the development and introduction of its Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system – capable of disarming drones, missiles and other aerial threats within seconds – thanks to breakthrough led by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This achievement places India among an elite group of nations that possess operational directed energy capabilities.
Dubbed ‘Durga II,’ this weapon employs high-powered laser beams to detect, track, and neutralize threats midair without using traditional ammunition. Recent field trials at high security military facilities reportedly demonstrated this weapon’s ability to take down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-flying missiles with pinpoint accuracy and minimal response time.
“This capability is transformative,” declared a senior DRDO official. The laser system is fast, precise, cost-effective and silently eliminates threats instantly without needing conventional interceptors or gunfire to do its work.
The DEW system is designed to be portable and adaptable to multiple platforms, including ground vehicles, ships, and aircraft. Boasting an engagement range of 10 kilometers, it can neutralize low-flying targets before they breach critical airspace.
Military experts consider this innovation particularly timely as the threat from hostile drones has significantly increased along India’s borders, particularly Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. Laser weapons provide a scalable and sustainable solution to intercept swarms or high-speed projectiles with near zero operating costs after initial deployment.
Sources within the Indian Armed Forces confirmed that initial installations will focus on protecting key installations, radar sites, and border bases before its full roll out across all services is scheduled over several years.
India is now joining countries such as the US, China, Russia and Israel that have invested significantly in directed-energy programs. Defense analysts interpret this move as signaling India’s intent to lead in next-generation warfare technology.
As India strengthens its strategic deterrence, India’s laser weapon system represents an ambitious leap into modern combat’s future: one where speed, precision and innovation define battlefield supremacy.