India's indigenous laser weapons could destroy hostile drones for just a few hundred rupees per engagement, offering the armed forces a potentially decisive advantage as militaries worldwide struggle with the rising cost of countering inexpensive unmanned aircraft.&nbsp;Speaking exclusively to WION's Defence Pulse, Prof Hari Babu Srivastava, former Director General, Technology Management, DRDO, and former Director of the Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), said India has already demonstrated the technology needed to achieve extremely low-cost laser engagements. “We have already done it,” Srivastava said when asked whether India could match American laser systems that reportedly destroy drones for less than five dollars per engagement.&nbsp;He explained that the immediate cost of firing a laser largely comes down to the electricity consumed in generating the beam.&nbsp;India's DRDO successfully demonstrated its indigenous 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) laser-directed energy weapon in April 2025 at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The system demonstrated its ability to engage drones and disable surveillance sensors. According to Srivastava, the technology is now progressing towards production, with DRDO initiating the process of transferring the capability to Indian industry.&nbsp;The development comes as the United States accelerates its own directed-energy programme. In September 2026, the US Army awarded a contract worth approximately $465 million to AeroVironment for its LOCUST laser counter-drone systems.&nbsp;<h2>From drone defence to missile interception</h2>&nbsp;Srivastava believes India's directed-energy ambitions can extend well beyond countering small drones.He explained that more powerful laser systems, particularly those operating at higher altitudes, could eventually provide capabilities against more challenging aerial threats.&nbsp;A 100-kilowatt laser, he suggested, could potentially engage drones at distances approaching 10 kilometres under favourable conditions, although actual performance would depend heavily on atmospheric conditions and other operational factors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, he identified airborne laser weapons as a promising direction for military research. Lasers mounted on fighter aircraft could benefit from operating above clouds and atmospheric disturbances, potentially improving their effectiveness against aerial targets.However, intercepting missiles would require considerably greater power, possibly exceeding one megawatt of continuous laser output for certain applications. <h2>Why lasers will not replace missiles</h2> Despite their potential, Srivastava cautioned against assuming that laser weapons will make conventional air-defence missiles obsolete. He described lasers as weapons whose effectiveness depends heavily on weather conditions.Dust storms, clouds and atmospheric interference can significantly degrade laser performance, making conventional missiles and guns indispensable.Drone swarms present another challenge. A laser generally engages one target at a time, whereas high-power microwave weapons could potentially disrupt the electronics of multiple drones within a wider area. Srivastava said these two directed-energy technologies would therefore complement each other in future air-defence systems. <h2>India's advance in combining hundreds of laser beams</h2> In a significant disclosure, Prof Hari Babu Srivastava, former Director General, Technology Management, DRDO, said India has demonstrated the ability to combine multiple laser beams to generate higher power levels, a critical technology for developing next-generation directed-energy weapons.Explaining the engineering challenge, Srivastava said that generating laser outputs of 100 kilowatts, 300 kilowatts or even one megawatt requires sophisticated beam-combining techniques.“We generate this power by combining several beams, hundreds of beams actually,” he explained.According to Srivastava, only a handful of countries have mastered this highly specialised technology.He added that India has also developed the capability, stating that the country has demonstrated its expertise in combining laser beams to achieve higher power. Currently a Professor of Practice at IIT Delhi, his assessment points to a significant opportunity for India's defence industry.As inexpensive drones increasingly challenge conventional air defence economics, indigenous directed-energy weapons could allow India to intercept suitable threats at substantially lower marginal costs while preserving expensive missiles for targets that demand them.

Drone swarms present another challenge. A laser generally engages one target at a time, whereas high-power microwave weapons could potentially disrupt the electronics of multiple drones in a wider area. These two directed-energy technologies would therefore complement each other.

India's indigenous laser weapons could destroy hostile drones for just a few hundred rupees per engagement, offering the armed forces a potentially decisive advantage as militaries worldwide struggle with the rising cost of countering inexpensive unmanned aircraft. Speaking exclusively to WION's Defence Pulse, Prof Hari Babu Srivastava, former Director General, Technology Management, DRDO, and former Director of the Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), said India has already demonstrated the technology needed to achieve extremely low-cost laser engagements. “We have already done it,” Srivastava said when asked whether India could match American laser systems that reportedly destroy drones for less than five dollars per engagement. He explained that the immediate cost of firing a laser largely comes down to the electricity consumed in generating the beam. India's DRDO successfully demonstrated its indigenous 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) laser-directed energy weapon in April 2025 at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The system demonstrated its ability to engage drones and disable surveillance sensors. According to Srivastava, the technology is now progressing towards production, with DRDO initiating the process of transferring the capability to Indian industry. The development comes as the United States accelerates its own directed-energy programme. In September 2026, the US Army awarded a contract worth approximately $465 million to AeroVironment for its LOCUST laser counter-drone systems. From drone defence to missile interception Srivastava believes India's directed-energy ambitions can extend well beyond countering small drones. He explained that more powerful laser systems, particularly those operating at higher altitudes, could eventually provide capabilities against more challenging aerial threats. A 100-kilowatt laser, he suggested, could potentially engage drones at distances approaching 10 kilometres under favourable conditions, although actual performance would depend heavily on atmospheric conditions and other operational factors.

Drone swarms present another challenge. A laser generally engages one target at a time, whereas high-power microwave weapons could potentially disrupt the electronics of multiple drones in a wider area. These two directed-energy technologies would therefore complement each other.

India's laser weapons can destroy drones for just a few hundred rupees: Former DRDO DG

Explosive-laden quadcopters are adding a new dimension to the fighting in southern Lebanon. Flying low over damaged buildings and dirt roads, the drones give operators a first-person view of Israeli military targets before striking. The footage highlights the growing role of low-cost FPV drones in modern warfare.

Group's fibre-optic drones pose new challenge for Israel

Israel is reportedly testing a drone equipped with a machine gun capable of carrying 200 rounds, highlighting the growing role of armed unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare. The development reflects ongoing efforts to integrate drone technology with military capabilities for remote operations and battlefield missions.

Israel tests drone armed with machine gun & 200 rounds

The Indian Army has received 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions in a single consignment, marking the largest one-time supply of such weapons from a single manufacturer. Delivered to the Pulgaon Ammunition Depot after successful pre-delivery inspections, the munitions were procured under an emergency purchase agreement to strengthen the Army’s precision-strike capabilities and operational readiness along strategic border sectors.

Indian Army receives 450 Indigenous Nagastra-1R strike drones

Ukraine is rapidly developing a new class of high-speed interceptor drones to combat Russia’s sudden escalation of jet-powered attack UAVs. This emergency defense initiative follows a massive surge in Russian drone waves that have severely strained traditional air defenses.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv races to build faster interceptor drones 

Could sound waves become a new weapon against enemy drones? Researchers are exploring how powerful acoustic frequencies could disrupt, damage or disable unmanned aerial systems.

Can sound frequencies bring down enemy drones?

For decades, Japan's postwar identity was defined by pacifism. But growing security challenges in East Asia are driving a dramatic military transformation. Tokyo is investing heavily in drones, advanced missiles, artificial intelligence, and next-generation defense systems as it seeks to strengthen its deterrence capabilities. Supporters argue the shift is necessary in an increasingly volatile region, while critics warn it marks a significant departure from Japan's postwar principles.


Drone 40 loitering munition - Japan’s new precision weapon 

Global superpowers are racing into an urgent arms revolution. The Pentagon faces severely depleted crucial weapon stockpiles after sustained conflicts across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. With US President Donald Trump demanding rapid weapons replenishment, American military chiefs have launched an emergency search for new advance weaponry. But again, money is an issue. With military budgets stretched and modern wars requiring massive ammunition, the new mantra is to build, acquire cheaper, precision weapons.


The new arms race: High-tech low-cost arms race explodes 

The UN has issued a stark warning that the Himalayan region faces severe risks of future glacial floods as the death toll from last week's catastrophic disaster in Nepal surpassed 1,000. Senior UN official Kanni Wignaraja warned that millions living downstream along major river systems face life-threatening risks, with vital hydroelectric projects and entire communities endangered. Triggered by the massive collapse of a glacier near the Langtang Lirung peak, the resulting outburst flooded the Trishuli River valley, exposing the extreme vulnerability of Himalayan infrastructure. Watch for key insights into the climate crisis threatening Asia's water towers.  

Himalayan glacial flood risk warning: UN warns millions at risk after Nepal disaster

Nepal flood on Monday increased the number of deaths to 959 and missing to 4,247 following the devastating flood that swept through a northern of Nepal bordering Tibet (in southern China) last week, according to the latest update from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The latest figures reflect an increase of 115 deaths and more than 1,700 new missing persons from the previous count on Nepalese soil alone. The tragedy on both sides of the border now leaves a total toll of 919 dead and 4,793 people unaccounted for. 

Nepal-Tibet floods: 4,500 missing, death toll surges above 900

India is leasing two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from the United States for $203 million over 30 months, giving the Indian Navy additional persistent surveillance capability while it waits for its larger MQ-9B fleet. Speaking to WION,  Air Marshal Anil Khosla (retired), Former The Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force explains the strategic importance of MQ-9B. The drones are designed for long-endurance maritime surveillance, with the ability to remain airborne for more than 30 hours and use advanced sensors to monitor ships and other targets over large distances.


India rents super-drones to watch the Indian Ocean

The US military on Thursday announced the launch of a first-ever multi-domain, multinational attack drone task force to develop one-way attack drones that can be used “above, on, and below the sea” with its Middle East partners.&nbsp;The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems capable of attacking from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners.The announcement of Falcon Strike’s launch comes nine months after CENTCOM established Task Force Scorpion Strike, the US military’s first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East.&nbsp;Scorpion Strike rapidly achieved key milestones, including the first-ever launch of an aerial attack drone from a US Navy warship last December. The squadron also employed one-way unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury and during strikes on Iranian port facilities in July using unmanned attack vessels at sea.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-prolong-war-until-trump-is-out-of-office-says-irgc-adviser-1786565790697">Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success’</h2>&nbsp;“Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success given the tremendous innovation happening among our regional allies and partners,” Adm. Brad Cooper, US Central Command commander, said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Integrating and deploying our new capabilities together will help us rapidly realize the new possibilities that are on the horizon.”&nbsp;The personnel from US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), which launched Scorpion Strike, will lead Falcon Strike’s staff of US and regional partners.SOCCENT, which is headquartered at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, plans and conducts special operations across CENTCOM’s 21-country area of responsibility in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-s-power-crisis-worsens-seeks-help-from-india-as-long-outages-spark-outrage-1786626466299">Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage</a>&nbsp;The US has tried to ramp up drone development and manufacturing operations amid the war with Iran since the battlefield changed dramatically, led by developments in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.&nbsp;Kyiv has sent drone interceptors and pilots to the Middle East to help US allies defend against the same types of Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia used to attack Ukraine’s cities.&nbsp;In May, the two countries agreed in a memorandum of understanding that would allow Ukraine to export military technology to the US and to manufacture drones in joint ventures with American companies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-attack-aramco-refinery-in-saudi-arabia-s-jizan-region-with-drones-1786643962330">Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones</a>&nbsp;The US has not announced the names of specific countries that will be part of the new task force.&nbsp;CENTCOM said it has initiated the process of consulting with and officially inviting regional partners.&nbsp;Task Force Falcon Strike will scale attack drone capabilities across the Middle East into a unified multi-domain, multinational deterrent.&nbsp;“The United States military has a lot of strong partnerships and friends in the region,” said Cooper. “We are collectively stronger when we integrate and deploy new capabilities together.”

The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners.

The US military on Thursday announced the launch of a first-ever multi-domain, multinational attack drone task force to develop one-way attack drones that can be used “above, on, and below the sea” with its Middle East partners. The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems capable of attacking from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners. The announcement of Falcon Strike’s launch comes nine months after CENTCOM established Task Force Scorpion Strike, the US military’s first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East. Scorpion Strike rapidly achieved key milestones, including the first-ever launch of an aerial attack drone from a US Navy warship last December. The squadron also employed one-way unmanned aerial systems during Operation Epic Fury and during strikes on Iranian port facilities in July using unmanned attack vessels at sea. Also Read: Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser ‘Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success’ “Task Force Falcon Strike will expand on Scorpion Strike’s success given the tremendous innovation happening among our regional allies and partners,” Adm. Brad Cooper, US Central Command commander, said in a statement. “Integrating and deploying our new capabilities together will help us rapidly realize the new possibilities that are on the horizon.” The personnel from US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), which launched Scorpion Strike, will lead Falcon Strike’s staff of US and regional partners. SOCCENT, which is headquartered at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, plans and conducts special operations across CENTCOM’s 21-country area of responsibility in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. Also Read: Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage The US has tried to ramp up drone development and manufacturing operations amid the war with Iran since the battlefield changed dramatically, led by developments in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Kyiv has sent drone interceptors and pilots to the Middle East to help US allies defend against the same types of Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia used to attack Ukraine’s cities. In May, the two countries agreed in a memorandum of understanding that would allow Ukraine to export military technology to the US and to manufacture drones in joint ventures with American companies. Also Read: Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones The US has not announced the names of specific countries that will be part of the new task force. CENTCOM said it has initiated the process of consulting with and officially inviting regional partners. Task Force Falcon Strike will scale attack drone capabilities across the Middle East into a unified multi-domain, multinational deterrent. “The United States military has a lot of strong partnerships and friends in the region,” said Cooper. “We are collectively stronger when we integrate and deploy new capabilities together.”

The unit, named Task Force Falcon Strike, will have one-way attack drones consisting of unmanned systems from above, on, and below the sea. They will be operated by military support staff from the United States and regional partners.

US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East

Turkey is rapidly surging ahead in the global defense sector, spearheading a technological arms race to develop next-generation unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Building on the global success of the Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı, Turkish aerospace giants Baykar and TAI are introducing cutting-edge platforms like the carrier-capable Bayraktar Kızılelma stealth fighter drone and the flying-wing ANKA III.

Turkiye joins global race to develop next-gen combat drones

Tension at Leipzig Airport. Police found a drone carrying an explosive near Ukrainian cargo planes. A robot removed the detonator before a controlled blast. A second object also hit a cargo aircraft that landed in Hanover with minor damage. German officials call it a "new level of threat" as drone sightings rise over military and logistics sites.


Drone with explosives found at German airport, security on high alert

The Farnborough Airshow 2026 showcased the future of military aviation, with AI-powered Loyal Wingman drones emerging as one of the biggest highlights. Designed to fly alongside fighter jets, these autonomous aircraft are set to transform aerial warfare with advanced AI, surveillance, electronic warfare, and combat capabilities. Watch this report from Farnborough Airshow.

AI Loyal Wingman drone | Future of air combat  | Farnborough Airshow 2026

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an AI-designed drone that spins fast enough to fool the human eye, making it appear almost invisible. The single-propeller drone rotates around 25 times per second, while tests found it is around 10 times less visible than conventional drones. Scientists say AI was used to test thousands of designs before arriving at the final model.

AI designs 'invisible' drone that tricks the human eye

South Korea has announced a massive expansion of its unmanned aerial capabilities as part of a strategic shift to counter growing threats from North Korea. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back confirmed that the military aims to procure approximately 11,000 commercial drones by the end of 2026 to serve as training platforms for the country’s ambitious "500,000 Drone Warriors" program.  


Seoul to procure 11,000 commercial drones by the end of 2026

As millions of pilgrims gathered in Saudi Arabia for Haj, authorities deployed drone technology to speed up emergency medical support across one of the world's most crowded religious sites. Health Ministry teams in Mina used drones to transport medicines, medical equipment, and urgent healthcare supplies directly from the distribution centres to field clinics operating near the pilgrimage routes. Officials said the system reduced delivery time from nearly 90 minutes during peak congestion to as little as three minutes. 

Saudi Arabia Uses Medical Drones During Haj Pilgrimage

This week on Tech It Out, discover simple ways to better protect your smartphone from hackers, scams and data breaches using stronger passwords, passkeys and app security settings; look at how Saudi Arabia is using medical drones during the Haj pilgrimage to rapidly deliver medicines and emergency healthcare supplies; and see how an AI-powered bricklaying robot named 'WALTER' is being tested in the UK to automate one of construction's toughest physical jobs. Watch the full episode for all the details.


Phone Security Tips, Medical Drones At Haj & AI Bricklaying Robot 

Nepal’s Home Ministry has officially lifted the ban on cargo drone operations over Mount Everest, opening the way for faster logistics in extreme mountain conditions. The decision is expected to improve supply delivery, rescue support, and high-altitude operations in the Everest region. Authorities say the move balances innovation with safety as drone technology becomes increasingly important in remote Himalayan operations.


Nepal's Home Ministry Lifts Ban on Cargo Drone Operations On Mount Everest

Nepal Lifts Everest Drone Ban: Cargo Drones Now Allowed On Mount Everest

In China’s Anhui Mountains, drones and robots are being deployed to fight severe ice and snow, ensuring electricity keeps flowing to affected regions. High-tech machines inspect power lines, remove ice, and perform precision tasks in harsh winter conditions, showcasing the growing role of robotics in infrastructure maintenance.

China Deploys Drones and Robots to Protect Power Grid

In this WION Ground Report, we take a closer look at the Indian Navy’s MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones, which have been operational for the past five years. The high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles play a crucial role in maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strengthening India’s naval capabilities across strategic sea lanes.

WION Ground Report: Indian Navy’s MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones: 5 Years of Maritime Surveillance

Even after rapid drone advancements, helicopters remain indispensable for heavy-lift logistics, large-scale troop assaults, and complex medical evacuations requiring in-flight care. It’s ability to operate in extreme weather, survive electronic jamming, and fly for hours.

Even after rapid drone advancements, helicopters remain indispensable for heavy-lift logistics, large-scale troop assaults, and complex medical evacuations requiring in-flight care. It’s ability to operate in extreme weather, survive electronic jamming, and fly for hours.

7 helicopter missions drones still cannot replace

Despite the rise of drones, attack helicopters remain vital due to their ability to resist electronic jamming and carry massive payloads. Their all-weather capability, speed, and advanced defensive suites allow them to survive where drones fail. 

Despite the rise of drones, attack helicopters remain vital due to their ability to resist electronic jamming and carry massive payloads. Their all-weather capability, speed, and advanced defensive suites allow them to survive where drones fail.&nbsp;

Why attack helicopters still matter in the drone age

Drones achieve high accuracy using laser targets for heat-seeking missiles and GPS data for all-weather satellite guidance. It uses sensor fusion to track moving vehicles and real-time data links to update weapons mid-flight, ensuring precision strikes.

Drones achieve high accuracy using laser targets for heat-seeking missiles and GPS data for all-weather satellite guidance. It uses sensor fusion to track moving vehicles and real-time data links to update weapons mid-flight, ensuring precision strikes.

‘Laser Dots & GPS’: How drones guide missiles and bombs with high accuracy

The U.S. has increasingly adopted reverse-engineering strategies to accelerate the development of low-cost, high-impact drones—reshaping modern warfare. By studying foreign drone designs, including those used in global conflicts, America is rapidly adapting to a new era of low-tech but high-lethality battlefield innovation. 


Pentagon's secret drone project unveiled, fLM-136, LUCAS: Meet America's copycat kamikaze

Anduril’s Fury drone uses advanced aerodynamics, a fuel-efficient turbofan engine, and AI-driven stability systems to fly up to 50,000 feet, reach Mach 0.95, and stay airborne for 15 hours, giving it long range, high stability, and powerful combat performance.


Anduril’s Fury drone uses advanced aerodynamics, a fuel-efficient turbofan engine, and AI-driven stability systems to fly up to 50,000 feet, reach Mach 0.95, and stay airborne for 15 hours, giving it long range, high stability, and powerful combat performance.

Anduril Fury drone aerodynamics: How its design boosts range and stability

The Pentagon has announced a $1 billion “Drone Dominance Program” to acquire over 300,000 kamikaze and one-way attack drones by 2028. Inspired by lessons from Ukraine, where low-cost disposable drones have transformed modern warfare, this program aims to accelerate U.S. adoption of affordable drone systems. Vendors must prove performance in a competitive gauntlet to secure bulk orders of 1,000+ drones.


U.S. Unveils Massive 'Drone Dominance' Program for 300,000 Kamikaze UAVs by 2028

Railways are turning to drones for safer, faster and smarter inspections. From tracking defects to stopping theft and predicting failures, drone technology is quietly transforming rail operations in ways most passengers never notice.


Railways are turning to drones for safer, faster and smarter inspections. From tracking defects to stopping theft and predicting failures, drone technology is quietly transforming rail operations in ways most passengers never notice.

Why some trains now use drone monitoring for safety

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