The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing the first production model of a 30 kW-class directed-energy weapon (DEW), which is expected to be ready within a year. The truck-mounted, high-energy laser system is being built to take down swarm drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It forms a key part of Sudarshan Chakra, the comprehensive air defence programme announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
DRDO has already demonstrated the technology in a successful trial last year. It now plans to issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) within the next six months to select a production partner.
How the 30 kW System Works?
The weapon uses concentrated electromagnetic energy to neutralise aerial targets instead of firing missiles or shells. Depending on the threat, it can carry out a soft kill, which disables a drone's sensors or electronics, or a hard kill, which physically destroys the target.
BK Das, Director General of DRDO's Electronics and Communication Systems cluster in Bengaluru, said the first-of-production model will go through more tests and trials. These will establish its range and other parameters required by the armed forces.
He also pointed out how quickly the system has moved from the drawing board to the shop floor.
Part of a Layered Air Defence
The system will operate within the OODA loop framework. OODA stands for Observe, Orient, Decide and Act, and it is a decision-making cycle used in modern military operations. Directed-energy weapons are increasingly seen as an important layer in multi-tier neutralisation strategies.
In these strategies, commanders choose between kinetic weapons, such as missiles and guns, and non-kinetic weapons, such as lasers, based on the type of incoming threat. Das called Sudarshan Chakra a visionary initiative. He said India already has most of the required building blocks within its defence ecosystem.
The task now is to integrate them into an effective layered defence system, and he said private industry, MSMEs and start-ups have a crucial role to play.
India Joins a Select Group of Nations
The 30 kW weapon is the third directed-energy system developed indigenously by DRDO. It strengthens India's place among a small group of nations with such non-kinetic capabilities. The others are the US, China, Russia, Israel, the UK and Germany.
These systems are becoming more relevant because of the economics of modern warfare. Neutralising a low-cost drone with a laser is far cheaper than firing an expensive interceptor missile at it.
From 2 kW to 30 kW: DRDO's DEW Journey
India earlier deployed a 2 kW directed-energy weapon along the Line of Control during Operation Sindoor. It was part of a multi-layered inner-tier air defence network. The system countered asymmetric aerial threats from Pakistan at ranges of up to 1 km. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Adani Defence & Aerospace were its production partners.
A more powerful 10 kW version followed, which can engage drones, UAVs and sensors at 1.5 to 2 km. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 to 12 units of this system.
These units will be integrated into the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mark-2. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been selected as the development-cum-production partner. It will build the first production model, which will then go through further trials before induction.
The 30 kW-class system is a significant leap from both earlier versions. It offers greater range and destructive power against drone swarms. It is expected to give India a decisive edge against asymmetric aerial threats and strengthen the layered defence planned under Sudarshan Chakra.
Why Does It Matters for NDA, CDS and AFCAT Aspirants?
Indigenous defence technology comes up often in the General Knowledge sections of NDA, CDS and AFCAT. Directed-energy weapons, Sudarshan Chakra and Operation Sindoor are strong topics to prepare for upcoming papers.
Aspirants should remember the key figures:
- 2 kW system: range up to 1 km, built with BEL and Adani Defence & Aerospace
- 10 kW system: range of 1.5 to 2 km, built with L&T
- 30 kW system: the next step up
The topic is also useful for SSB group discussions and lecturettes on drone warfare and self-reliance in defence.
At Major Kalshi Classes (MKC), our faculty covers defence and current affairs developments like this as part of structured preparation for NDA, CDS and AFCAT. Stay connected with MKC for regular updates that help you prepare for both the written exam and the SSB interview.
