India's First Futuristic "Star Wars" Laser Weapon Shoots Down Drone Swarm
New Delhi – In a groundbreaking defense milestone, India has successfully tested its first high-powered laser weapon system, capable of shooting down drones using directed energy. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the advanced Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A) tracked and destroyed a swarm of drones during a live field trial in Kurnool.
The laser system not only disabled surveillance sensors but also caused structural damage to the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), demonstrating its combat readiness.
"With this successful trial, India has joined the exclusive club of global powers possessing high-power laser DEW systems," DRDO announced on X.
According to DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, this successful test places India among the few nations – the US, Russia, China, and possibly Israel – with operational laser-based directed energy weapons. He emphasized that this is only the beginning of India's journey toward developing futuristic "Star Wars"-style military capabilities.
| Country | System Examples | Operational Use |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | HELIOS, LaWS (Navy), DE M-SHORAD | Tested in Navy & Army units |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | Peresvet laser system | Limited strategic deployments |
| 🇨🇳 China | Silent Hunter, LW-30 | Demonstrated at airshows |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | Iron Beam (by Rafael) | In advanced testing phases |
| 🇮🇳 India | CHESS DRDO DEW MK-II(A) | First successful field trial |
What Makes Laser Weapons So Futuristic?
Laser weapons align with sci-fi-like military dreams, often referred to as “Star Wars” tech because:
- No physical projectile—light energy is the weapon.
- Speed of light impact—virtually no travel time.
- Can shoot down multiple threats in succession without reloading.
- Leaves no traditional signature (like smoke or sound), making it stealthy.
- Minimal collateral damage, ideal for urban warfare or critical asset protection.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next?
DRDO’s chairman Samir V. Kamat confirmed this is just the “beginning of the journey”.
India is expected to:
- Scale up to higher wattage systems (100+ kW for missile defense).
- Develop airborne and naval DEWs.
- Integrate AI for auto-tracking and autonomous firing.
- Build multi-layered drone defense grids.
