The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to transfer the technology of its 30 kW anti-drone laser weapon to the private sector for mass production, following successful field trials that validated the system’s precision and reliability. Developed under the Directed Energy Systems program, the Mk-II(A) weapon neutralizes hostile drones and low-speed aerial threats within a 5 km line-of-sight range by disabling target guidance or propulsion within seconds, ensuring rapid, non-kinetic engagement with minimal collateral damage. The modular design allows deployment on mobile ground vehicles, naval vessels, and fixed platforms, providing operational flexibility. This technology transfer, managed through DRDO’s Transfer of Technology framework, aims to ramp up manufacturing to meet the Indian Army’s growing demand for counter-drone systems and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative promoting private sector participation. The weapon system enhances India’s counter-unmanned aerial system architecture alongside existing kinetic solutions and radar-based jammers. India thus joins a small group of nations with indigenous tactical-grade directed energy weapon production capabilities, marking a strategic advancement in next-generation battlefield technology and defense self-reliance. The system was successfully tested in April 2025 at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.