India's First High-Powered Laser Weapon
India has successfully tested its first high-powered laser weapon at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool. The 30KW laser beam is capable of neutralizing drones, UAVs, and static targets, marking a significant milestone in India's directed energy weapons (DEW) program.
A Decade in Development
- The foundation for laser-based defense began with a 2012 research paper advocating for indigenous development.
- The program developed under DRDO, starting with LASTEC and later through the CHESS lab in Hyderabad.
- The codename Sahastra Shakti was assigned with the aim to disable enemy drones, optics, and electronic systems.
Progressive Upgrades: From Mk1 to Mk2A
- Mk1 (2024)
- A 2KW laser system effective against small drones at 1 km.
- Successfully shot down a Pakistani drone.
- Mk2:
- Combined six 2KW lasers into a powerful 12KW beam.
- Extended range to over 2 km.
- Mk2A (2025)
- India’s first true high-powered laser at 30KW.
- Uses six 5KW beams with a range of 4 km.
- Targets include drones, helicopters, and enemy sensors.
- Fully indigenous and truck-mounted.
What’s Next
- Deployment: System is in trials and expected to be field-ready within two years.
- Future Variants:
- DRDO is developing versions with 50–100KW power to counter cruise missiles, jets, and artillery shells.
- Next-gen Platforms:
- Miniaturized pods for aircraft, naval systems, and potential space-based lasers are in development.
