Space-age warfare: DRDO develops a more powerful laser that can take out drones at 5 km

India is moving to take its indigenous directed-energy weapon capability from trials to production, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) set to seek an industry partner within the next six months for its 30kW-class counter-drone laser weapon. The move comes as militaries increasingly look at directed-energy weapons as a way to deal with the growing threat posed by large numbers of low-cost drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.The truck-mounted 30kW laser system is designed primarily to counter drone swarms, fixed-wing UAVs and surveillance sensors at ranges of up to 5 km. According to DRDO, final trials of the system were completed in August 2025 and the technology has now been demonstrated. The requirement for such systems has become more pressing after recent conflicts, including Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when drones were extensively used by both sides.