Indian Army & IAF to Induct 16 Indigenous Laser-Based Drone Defence Systems

In a major boost to India’s aerial security and counter-drone warfare capabilities, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are set to induct 16 homegrown Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDS). These laser-based defence systems, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are capable of neutralising enemy drones at a distance of 2 kilometres. The new induction comes at a time when hostile drone activity, including incursions along the border and swarming tactics, pose a growing threat to military and civilian infrastructure.

Laser Technology Upgrade: Doubling Engagement Range

According to defence officials, the Mark 2 version of DRDO’s IDDS will use a 10-kilowatt laser beam, enabling twice the engagement range compared to its predecessor, which had a 1-km targeting capability. This laser will be capable of disabling surveillance sensors and damaging drone structures, offering non-kinetic precision defence.

These advanced systems are expected to be cleared soon by the Ministry of Defence, as India ramps up its efforts to strengthen border surveillance and counter-intrusion capabilities.

Part of DRDO’s Direct Energy Weapons Programme

The development is part of DRDO’s broader initiative to develop Direct Energy Weapons (DEWs) under its Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS). These systems offer a cost-effective and reusable solution to modern drone threats without the need for conventional ammunition.

Highlights from recent developments include,

• Successful field demonstration of DEW MK-II (A) at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
• The system defeated fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones, disabling sensors and inflicting structural damage
• India also demonstrated its 30-kilowatt laser-based system capable of striking targets up to 5 km, placing it in the league of nations like the US, China, and Russia

National Security Need: Drone Threats on the Rise

The move comes amid increasing drone-based incursions and attacks, particularly from across the western border. The Pakistan military’s use of drones during Operation Sindoor highlighted the need for India to rapidly scale up drone detection and neutralisation capacities.

Drones have emerged as key assets in modern warfare, used for reconnaissance, logistics drops, swarm attacks, and electronic warfare. The rapid induction of laser-based systems reflects India’s response to asymmetric threats and low-cost aerial intrusions.

Star Wars Tech on the Horizon

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat revealed that the organisation is also developing,

• High-energy microwave weapons
• Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) systems
• Other futuristic technologies aiming to give India “Star Wars”-style defensive capabilities

These systems are designed to provide multi-layered air defence against drones, aircraft, and missiles, leveraging clean, reusable, and scalable energy-based solutions.

Key Static Facts: India’s Laser-Based Drone Defence Systems

• System Name: Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mark 2)
• Developer: DRDO, CHESS Lab
• Inducting Forces: Indian Army, Indian Air Force
• Target Range (Laser): 2 km (10-kW system); 5 km in development (30-kW system)
• Demonstration Location: Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
• Recent Use: Successfully hit swarm drones, fixed-wing UAVs