India has successfully proven its first high-power laser weapon in Kurnool’s National Open Air Series (NOAR) that neutralizes 30kW laser beams for drones, drones and static targets.
This milestone marks an important step in India’s guidance on the Energy Weapons (DEW) program, which has been in a decade.
Ten years of development
The laser-based defense foundation began with a 2012 research paper advocating indigenous development. The program was shaped under DRDO, initially through Lastec and later through the Chess Laboratory in Hyderabad. Under the codename of Sahastra Shakti, the purpose is clear: create weapons to disable enemy drones, optical and electronic systems.
Progressive upgrade: from MK1 to MK2A
MK1 (2024): The 2kW laser system is effectively targeted at 1 km. This month, the Pakistani drone was successfully shot down.
MK2: Combine six 2kW lasers into a powerful 12kW beam to expand the range to more than 2 km.
MK2A (2025): India’s first true high power laser at 30kW. Use six 5kW beams with a range of 4 km. Can target drones, helicopters and enemy sensors. Completely indigenous and truck-mounted.
What’s next
deploy: The system is being tried and is expected to be ready within two years.
Future variants: DRDO is developing a version with 50-100kW to resist cruise missiles, jets and even shells.
Next Generation Platform: Aircraft, naval systems, and ultimately small pods based on space lasers are in the pipeline.
