The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced its plan to transfer the technology of its 30-kilowatt Laser Directed Energy Weapon (Mk-II(A)) to private defense manufacturers. This follows a successful field trial held on April 13, 2025, at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
A Major Step in Defense Innovation
Developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, along with academic and industrial partners, the Mk-II(A) is India’s first high-power laser-based weapon system. Mounted on a mobile platform, the system merges six 5 kW lasers to form a single 30 kW beam capable of targeting drones, sensors, and antennae at ranges of 3.5 to 5 km with precision.
Technology Transfer to Boost Mass Production
The transfer plan is part of DRDO’s 2025 Technology Transfer Policy, which aims to involve private companies in defense production. DRDO has already collaborated with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to license earlier versions of DEW systems, including 2 kW and 10 kW variants. With the Mk-II(A), private firms will now help accelerate manufacturing to meet the Indian Army’s growing demand.
Army Demand Driven by Drone Threats
The Indian Army has shown strong interest in the system due to increasing drone-based threats along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC). In a notable instance, a 2 kW Mk-I DEW system destroyed a Chinese drone used by Pakistan near the LoC in April 2025.
Proven Track Record and Future Outlook
The Army has already deployed 23 systems based on earlier DEW technology, worth ₹400 crore, at key events like Republic Day to counter aerial threats. The new Mk-II(A) offers enhanced lethality, greater range, and faster engagement—features that DRDO calls vital for modern warfare.
With this move, India joins a select group of nations with cutting-edge directed energy weapons and reinforces its commitment to defense self-reliance through indigenous innovation and private sector participation.
