(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) LASER-DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPON

(MAY-2025)

LASER-DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPON

• India has successfully demonstrated its first high-powered laser weapon at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Details

• India has achieved a significant milestone in its directed energy weapons program with the successful demonstration of a 30 kw laser weapon. 

• This high-powered laser, developed under the Sahastra Shakti program, can neutralise drones, UAVs, and static targets at a range of 4 km.

• The milestone marks a major step in India’s directed energy weapons (DEW) program, over a decade in the making.

Sahastra Shakti Program

• The foundation for laser-based defence began with a 2012 research paper advocating indigenous development. 

• The programme took shape under DRDO, initially through LASTEC and later through the CHESS lab in Hyderabad.

• Under the codename Sahastra Shakti, the aim was clear: create weapons to disable enemy drones, optics, and electronic systems.

Progressive upgrades: From MK1 to MK2A

Mk1 (2024): A 2 kw laser system effective against small drones at 1 km. 

Mk2: Combined six 2 kw lasers into a powerful 12 kw beam, extending range to over 2 km.

Mk2A (2025): India’s first true high-powered laser at 30 kw.

• It uses six 5 kw beams, with a range of 4 km. 

• It can target drones, helicopters, and enemy sensors. 

• It is fully indigenous and truck-mounted.

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Courtesy: Science Reporter

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