Siddharth Darnal: new first post added tags!

2026-04-28T06:45:11Z

new first post added tags!

New page

{{Short description|Laser-based weapon system developed in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDD&IS)
| image =
| caption =
| origin = India
| type = [[Laser weapon]]
| is_ranged = Yes
| service = 2024–present<ref name=":3" />
| used_by = [[Corps of Army Air Defence]]
| designer = [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
| design_date = 2012–present
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Electronics]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=Game-changer: How India's homegrown Iron Dome made a Pakistan-drone-crushing debut |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/May/13/game-changer-how-indias-homegrown-iron-dome-made-a-pakistan-drone-crushing-debut |access-date=2 January 2026 |publisher=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=13 May 2025}}</ref>
}}

The '''Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System''' ('''IDD&IS''') is a series of [[laser weapon]]s being developed by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] for the [[Indian Armed Forces]].

== Development ==
A 2012 research paper had paved the way for the development of an indigenous laser weapon in India.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |date=15 April 2025 |title=ET Graphics: A decade in the making, India’s first high-powered laser weapon |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/et-graphics-a-decade-in-the-making-indias-first-high-powered-laser-weapon/articleshow/120289633.cms?from=mdr |access-date=1 January 2026 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The requirement of a similar system was mentioned in the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|defence ministry]]'s 2013 Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap and the government had confirmed that the research on the matter had commenced at the [[Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences]], and [[Laser Science and Technology Centre]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Gurung |first=Shaurya Karanbir |date=7 December 2017 |title=India gets a step closer to laser weaponry as DRDO successfully tests laser system |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-gets-a-step-closer-to-laser-weaponry-as-drdo-successfully-tests-laser-system/articleshow/61954646.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101181442/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-gets-a-step-closer-to-laser-weaponry-as-drdo-successfully-tests-laser-system/articleshow/61954646.cms |archive-date=1 January 2026 |access-date=1 January 2026 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

By 2015, [[LASTEC]] completed the development of a unit of 1 kW 'single mode fibre laser' and was engaged in the further development of 5 kW and 9 kW fibre laser sources.<ref name=":0" />

Towards the end of August 2017, India conducted its first successful test of a [[directed-energy weapon]]. The weapon was a 1 kW class [[laser weapon]] in a truck-mounted configuration from the [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]] in [[Karnataka]]. In the test witnessed by the then [[Minister of Defence (India)|defence minister]], [[Arun Jaitley]], the laser beam hit its target at a distance of {{Convert|250|m|abbr=on}} and it took 36 seconds to "make a hole into the metal sheet". The weapon was a [[technology demonstrator]] and was to be followed by a 2 kW laser weapon with an expected range of {{Convert|1|km|abbr=on}}. Meanwhile, the core of the weapon system, the laser source, was being imported from Germany. By then, [[LASTEC]] had also developed a 10 kW [[chemical oxygen iodine laser]] and was developing a 30–100 kW "gas dynamic high power laser-based [[DEW]]" under Project Aditya.<ref name=":0" />

As of May 2024, [[DRDO]] was developing laser-DEW systems of a 30–50 kW range under its short, medium and long-term goals.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2024-03-21 |title=Army inducts first lot of desi anti-drone systems for China border deployment |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-inducts-first-lot-of-desi-anti-drone-systems-for-china-border-deployment/articleshow/108658556.cms |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

In early September 2024, it was reported that the [[Indian Navy]] conducted trials of a 2 kW [[DEW]] from a [[naval warship]]. Similar trials of a 10 kW DEW was planned.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-09-04 |title=Indian Navy Successfully Conducts Trials of 2 kW DEW System |url=https://raksha-anirveda.com/indian-navy-successfully-conducts-trials-of-2-kw-dew-system/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=raksha-anirveda.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=Indian Navy Conducts Trials of 2-KW Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2024/09/indian-navy-conducts-trials-of-2-kw.html |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=Indian Defence News}}</ref>

On 13 April 2025, DRDO successfully conducted the trials of the truck-mounted Mk-II(A) laser-DEW system, India's first high-power laser weapon. During the trials, the system engaged a fixed-wing drone at long range as well as deterred a seven-drone swarm attack and destroyed enemy surveillance sensors and antennae. The system demonstrated a high speed of engagement, accuracy and destroyed the target in seconds. The cost to engage for a few seconds was equivalent to the cost of few litres of petrol. The system can engage its target once detected by a radar or its integral EO system. The [[Defence Research and Development Organisation#Organisation|CHESS]]-developed system was tested at the National Open Air Range, [[Kurnool]], [[Andhra Pradesh]]<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-04-13 |title=DRDO tests directed energy weapon system that can disable drones, missiles |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-tests-directed-energy-weapon-system-that-can-disable-drones-missiles/article69446266.ece |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2025-04-13 |title='Star Wars tech': DRDO showcases 30 KW laser-based weapon to take down helicopters, swarm drones |url=https://theprint.in/defence/star-wars-tech-drdo-showcases-30-kw-laser-based-weapon-to-take-down-helicopters-swarm-drones/2588573/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> for a range of 3.5 km in hot, extreme weather conditions. User trials would reportedly take 1–1.5 years.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=2025-04-14 |title=India tests laser system to destroy aerial targets |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-tests-laser-system-to-destroy-aerial-targets/articleshow/120266057.cms |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It is codenamed ''Sahastra Shakti'' and is powered by 6 individual 5 kW laser sources in a 2×3 configuration.<ref name=":7" />

As of then, [[DRDO]] is also developing laser-[[DEW]] systems of a 50–100 kW range along with [[Projects of DRDO#High-Power Microwave system|microwave-based DEW]] under its revised short, medium and long-term goals.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4" />

A 5''' '''kW laser DEW was tested as part of the [[Mission Sudarshan Chakra#Integrated Air Defence Weapon System|Integrated Air Defence Weapon System]] on 23 August 2025.<ref name=":72">{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=2025-08-26 |title='Sudarshan Chakra' will be India's shield and sword, but needs massive integration, says CDS Anil Chauhan |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sudarshan-chakra-india-integration-pm-modi-iron-dome-cds-anil-chauhan-10212016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102132356/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sudarshan-chakra-india-integration-pm-modi-iron-dome-cds-anil-chauhan-10212016/ |archive-date=2026-01-02 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Trivedi |first=Saurabh |date=2025-08-24 |title=DRDO successfully conducts maiden flight tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-successfully-conducts-maiden-flight-tests-of-integrated-air-defence-weapon-system/article69970850.ece |access-date=2025-09-20 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On 22 December 2025, Apollo Microsystems received [[technology transfer]] for [[Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences|CHESS]] 10 kW Laser DEW system and [[Instruments Research and Development Establishment|IRDE]] [[Electro-optical targeting system|EO tracking system]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=N. Ravi |date=2025-12-22 |title=Apollo Micro Systems gets access to two Directed Energy Weapon Systems tech of DRDO |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/apollo-micro-systems-gets-access-to-two-directed-energy-weapon-systems-tech-of-drdo/article70425162.ece |access-date=2025-12-23 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The Indian Army released a [[request for information]] for the acquisition of an IDD&IS Mark II A in February 2026. The weapon's requirement was laid out by the [[Corps of Army Air Defence|Directorate General of Army Air Defence]], and it is supposed be integrated with the existing air defence weapons.<ref name=":82">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shivani |date=2025-02-26 |title=Army seeks advanced drone detection system to counter aerial threats |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/army-seeks-advanced-drone-detection-system-to-counter-aerial-threats-2685856-2025-02-26 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

== Variants ==

* '''IDD&IS Mk-I:''' 2 kW laser source with a hard kill range of {{Convert|0.8-1|km|abbr=on}} and soft kill range of {{Convert|2-5|km|abbr=on}} by [[Radio jamming|jamming]]. Detection range: {{Convert|5-8|km|abbr=on}}. Deployed by the Indian Army.<ref name=":3" />
* '''IDD&IS Mk-II''': 10 kW laser source with a range of {{Convert|2|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2025-04-13 |title=Indian Army uses new DRDO laser to neutralise Chinese drone near LoC |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-army-uses-new-drdo-laser-to-neutralise-chinese-drone-near-loc/articleshow/120254260.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Cleared for induction by the defence ministry.<ref name=":29" />
* '''5 kW laser weapon:''' A 5''' '''kW laser weapon forms a part of the [[Mission Sudarshan Chakra#Integrated Air Defence Weapon System|IADWS]].<ref name=":72" /><ref name=":9" />
* '''IDD&IS Mk-IIA:'''<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shivani |date=2025-02-26 |title=Army seeks advanced drone detection system to counter aerial threats |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/army-seeks-advanced-drone-detection-system-to-counter-aerial-threats-2685856-2025-02-26 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Also called, Mk-II (A) Laser-DEW<ref name=":5" /> or ''Sahastra Shakti'', it is a 30 kW class laser weapon powered by 6 individual 5 kW laser sources in a 2×3 configuration.<ref name=":29" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lateef |first=Samaan |date=2025-04-14 |title=India develops ‘Star Wars’ laser gun to shoot down drones |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/14/india-develops-star-wars-laser-gun-drones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102130553/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/14/india-develops-star-wars-laser-gun-drones/ |archive-date=2026-01-02 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> It has a range of {{Convert|5|km|abbr=on}} integrated with 360° [[Electro-optical sensor|EO]]/[[Infrared search and track|IR]] sensors and [[electronic warfare]] capability. Effective against [[Military aircraft|fixed-wing aircraft]], [[swarm drone]]s as well as [[missiles]].<ref name=":5" /> In production.<ref name=":1" />
* '''DRDO Surya:''' 300 kW laser source with a range of {{Convert|20|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":1" />

== Service history ==
The Ministry of Defense released a request for proposals in November 2022 to purchase nine IDD&IS units.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2022 |title=REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FOR PROCUREMENT OF INTEGRATED DRONE DETECTION AND INTERDICTION SYSTEM (IMPROVED VERSION) |url=https://www.mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/RFP-IDD%26IS%20%28Improved%20Version%29_0_0.pdf |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=mod.gov.in}}</ref> In March 2024, the [[Indian Army]]'s [[Corps of Army Air Defence]] had inducted the first lot of seven IDD&IS into service.<ref name=":3" /> India has reportedly placed an order for 23 such systems for {{INRConvert|400|c|lk=on|year=2024}}.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" />

On 13 April 2025, it was reported that the Indian Army's IDD&IS Mk 1 had intercepted a Chinese origin, [[Pakistan Army]]-operated drone in the [[area of responsibility]] of the [[XVI Corps (India)|XVI Corps]],<ref name=":1" /> southwards of the [[Pir Panjal Range]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Dubey |first=Ajit |date=2025-04-18 |title=Army to acquire 9 more Laser-based counter-drone systems for deployment along Pak, China borders |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/army-to-acquire-9-more-laser-based-counter-drone-systems-for-deployment-along-pak-china-borders20250418195435/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref> The Army also planned to procure nine additional units under emergency procurement.<ref name=":2" /> [[Bharat Electronics]], and the Corps of Army Air Defence signed an agreement for the IDD&IS on 16 May 2025, as part of a larger {{INRConvert|572|c|lk=off|year=2025}} contract.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-16 |title=BEL signs contract with Army for Indigenous Counter-Drone System, secures orders worth Rs 572 crore |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bel-signs-contract-with-army-for-indigenous-counter-drone-system-secures-orders-worth-rs-572-crore20250516224432/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref>

On 29 December 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council, functioning under the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] and the chairmanship of the [[Minister of Defence (India)|defence minister]], [[Rajnath Singh]], cleared the procurement of IDD&IS Mk-II for the Indian Army.<ref name=":29">{{Cite press release |title=DAC clears proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces |date=2025-12-29 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2209422&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2025-12-29}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2025-12-29 |title=200 km+ range Astra missile, 120 km range Pinaka rockets on shopping list as MoD clears Rs 79,000 cr proposals |url=https://theprint.in/defence/200-km-range-astra-missile-120-km-range-pinaka-rockets-on-shopping-list-as-mod-clears-rs-79000-cr-proposals/2814298/ |access-date=2025-12-29 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> Earlier, reports in November 2025, indicated Indian Army and [[Indian Air Force]]'s bid to initially induct 16 IDD&IS Mk-II systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubey |first=Ajit |date=2025-11-16 |title=Indian Army, IAF to induct 16 laser based anti drone systems with 2 km range |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-army-iaf-to-induct-16-indigenous-drone-detection-interception-systems-with-capability-to-hit-enemy-uavs-with-laser-at-2-kms20251116185032/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-11-16 |title=Boost for counter-drone warfare: Army, IAF to deploy new indigenous systems; DRDO readies next-gen weapons |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/boost-for-counter-drone-warfare-army-iaf-to-deploy-new-indigenous-systems-drdo-readies-next-gen-weapons/articleshow/125366402.cms |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

== Operators ==

* {{Flag|India}}
** {{Army|India}}: 7 Mk-I in service,<ref name=":3" /> 9 Mk-I to be ordered.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-04-18 |title=Army to acquire 9 more Laser-based counter-drone systems for deployment along Pakistan, China borders |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-to-acquire-9-more-laser-based-counter-drone-systems-for-deployment-along-pakistan-china-borders/articleshow/120410043.cms |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Bhargavastra (counter drone system)]]
* [[Projects of DRDO#High-Power Microwave system|High-Power Microwave system]]
* [[High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance]]
* [[DragonFire (weapon)]]
* [[Iron Beam]]
* [[LY-1]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}

[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
[[Category:Indian Army]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2020s]]

==External links==
{{external media
| caption = External Image of DRDO DEW-mk2A
| image1 =[https://alphadefense.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/image-26-768x512.png]| External Image of DRDO DEW-Mk 2A]
}}

[[Category:Military lasers]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of India]]

Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System - Revision history

Siddharth Darnal: new first post added tags!