India is moving closer to operationalizing ship-mounted directed energy weapons as DRDO prepares to test a 100-kilowatt high-power laser system intended for frontline naval warships. The upcoming trial is part of the DURGA II program, aimed at equipping the Indian Navy with advanced defenses against drones, missiles, and other aerial threats. Earlier domestic laser systems in the 25 kW class were mainly intended to dazzle or temporarily blind hostile sensors. The new 100 kW system represents a major leap, with enough power to burn through incoming drones and potentially disrupt infrared seekers of anti-ship missiles. The program builds on previous progress, including a 30 kW truck-mounted laser tested in 2025 that reportedly destroyed fixed-wing drone targets at around five kilometers. The current system is undergoing marinization to withstand humidity, salt spray, and constant vessel motion. Once ready, deployment is expected aboard Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. High-energy lasers are increasingly valued worldwide for defending ships against low-cost drone swarms and loitering munitions, offering rapid engagements with low per-shot logistics burden compared to missile interceptors.
