India Receives Laser Systems to Counter Drones, Reports Say

The first batch of mobile systems for the detection and neutralization of unmanned aerial vehicles has already been received by the Indian army's ground forces. This was reported by the Times of India, referencing military sources, according to TASS.

The systems, named IDD&IS, will be deployed along India’s border with China. They are capable of detecting drones from a distance of 5 to 8 kilometers, with a radio-electronic jamming engagement range of 2 to 5 kilometers, and destruction through high-energy lasers at a distance of 800 meters.

“These systems are modifications of existing air defense measures already present in the Indian army, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics, based on analysis of drone conflicts conducted during the Azerbaijani-Armenian military conflict and the Ukraine combat operations. Enhanced versions of IDD&IS are currently under development,” sources cited by the newspaper stated.

Interviewees from the Times of India also added that work is underway in India to develop lasers with 30-50 kilowatt power and range capabilities of several dozen kilometers. They noted that the Indian Armed Forces have signed contracts with creators of effective systems for countering drones, including methods to disrupt drone control satellite channels and destroy them using laser weapons.

The Indian Air Force has announced a competition for the creation of ten measures to combat kamikaze drones to defend against strikes delivered from various directions and airports.