In a major leap for India's indigenous defence technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its advanced Land-based Vehicle Mounted Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System, MK-II (A), developed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS). The field trial held at Kurnool validated the system’s efficacy by neutralising fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones, causing structural damage and disabling surveillance equipment. With this breakthrough, India becomes one of the few nations with proven high-power laser DEW capabilities.In a historic milestone for India's defence innovation, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), successfully conducted a field demonstration of the Vehicle Mounted Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System MK-II (A) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.The cutting-edge Directed Energy Weapon, designed for counter-drone and surveillance disruption operations, effectively neutralised both fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and hostile swarm drones during the field trial. The laser weapon system was shown to inflict critical structural damage and disable onboard surveillance sensors, proving its operational capability in modern asymmetric warfare scenarios.This successful demonstration marks a giant technological leap in India’s indigenous capability to deploy non-kinetic countermeasures using high-energy lasers. The MK-II (A) is an upgraded version of its predecessor; offering enhanced tracking, targeting and power delivery, making it effective against fast-moving aerial threats.A DRDO official stated, “The system showcases precision targeting with minimal collateral damage, a hallmark of future-ready warfare. With this, India joins a select group of countries — including the US, China, and Israel — that possess operational high-power laser DEWs.”The system is vehicle-mounted, giving it high mobility and adaptability for border deployment, critical infrastructure protection and urban security operations. Capable of silent, invisible and high-speed attacks, laser weapons offer cost-effective, repeatable and low-logistics solutions compared to traditional kinetic ammunition.With the growing threat of drone incursions and electronic surveillance by adversaries, this achievement strengthens India’s defensive posture and contributes significantly to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) in critical defence technologies. The Ministry of Defence has hailed the demonstration as a game-changer, underlining its importance in shaping India's future counter-drone doctrine and electronic warfare capabilities. As the global landscape pivots towards directed-energy solutions, India's emergence in this arena marks a decisive shift towards next-generation warfare, solidifying its place among global military technology leaders.