The development of Directed Energy Systems (DES) to counter drone threats has made significant progress in both China and the United States in recent years. These systems are capable of using focused energy, such as lasers or microwaves, to disable or destroy drones, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution to countering the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The US has been actively developing directed energy systems to counter drone threats, with several defence agencies, such as the Department of Defense (DoD), working on this technology. Some key developments include:

Directed Energy Systems (DES) provide a cost-effective and scalable solution to countering the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through the use of focused energy such as lasers or microwaves

Laser Weapon System (LaWS): Developed by the US Navy, LaWS is a laser-based system that has been tested on military vessels for targeting and neutralising small UAVs. It uses a high-energy laser to disable drones by heating their components.

• Microwave Systems: Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) technologies: The US military has also been testing microwave systems to disable drones. The DIRECTOR (Directed Energy System for Countering UAS) is one such system developed by the US Army. It uses microwave energy to disrupt or disable the electronics of drones, causing them to crash or become unresponsive.
• Commercial and Experimental Systems: More futuristic systems such as THOR (Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder), use high-powered microwaves to target and disable drones at a range.

Deployment and Integration:

The advanced military has been increasingly integrating these systems into its defence infrastructure. Directed Energy Systems are being tested for operational use in counter-UAV defence during military exercises and in real-world deployments in regions such as the Middle East, where drone threats have been a significant concern.

The global defence community is increasingly turning to the LWS as the ultimate solution to this challenge. Besides the US, nations such as China, Israel, Germany, and South Korea are aggressively investing in the development and deployment of LWS, recognising their potential to redefine defensive strategies in the 21st century.

Lessons from the Ukraine Conflict

The Russia-Ukraine war serves as a critical case study in the evolving nature of drone warfare. Drones are not only enhancing reconnaissance but are also being used to deliver explosives, disrupt logistics, and exert psychological pressure. Existing counter-drone solutions often fall short in effectiveness. RF jammers are rendered useless against autonomous drones that do not rely on remote signals. Similarly, firearms and nets are limited by range and scalability, leaving defence forces vulnerable to persistent and evolving threats.

Laser weapon systems offer an adaptable, efficient, and scalable alternative—qualities urgently needed in today's combat scenarios.

The Global Race for Laser Weapon Systems

Across the globe, the race to perfect LWS technology is accelerating. The United States leads the charge with initiatives such as the Navy's Laser Weapon System (LaWS) and the Army's Directed Energy-Manoeuvre Short-Range Air Defense (DE-MSHORAD) system, both of which demonstrate the potential of high-energy lasers in neutralising aerial threats.

Another US Navy programme, Helios is a high-power laser weapon system designed to protect naval assets from drones and other threats. It is intended to be deployed on ships to engage both UAVs and incoming missiles.

US defence contractors, such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, have been developing and testing various laser and microwave systems that could be deployed in the field to protect against drone swarms and individual UAVs.

China has also made significant strides, unveiling advanced systems capable of targeting drones and other airborne threats, signalling its ambitions to dominate this field. China has demonstrated both laser and microwave-based systems for countering drones. One of the most notable systems is the LW-30 laser weapon, which has been reported to be capable of disabling UAVs at distances of several kilometres by targeting their sensors or propulsion systems with a high-energy laser.

The US Navy's Laser Weapon System (LaWS) and the Army's Directed Energy-Manoeuvre Short-Range Air Defence (DE-MSHORAD) system demonstrate the potential of high-energy lasers in neutralising aerial threats

Additionally, microwave weapons have been a focal point for China's military development, with reports indicating that China has been working on systems designed to disrupt or destroy drones' electronics, as well as other types of enemy equipment.

Here, China's defence strategy has increasingly focused on technologies that can provide low-cost and highly effective ways to neutralise drone threats. Directed energy systems are seen as a key part of this strategy, complementing traditional air defence and missile systems.

Israel's integration of LWS into its Iron Dome system, through its laser-based Iron Beam project, highlights a practical approach to mitigating rocket and drone threats. Germany and the United Kingdom are actively developing portable LWS systems designed for battlefield and critical infrastructure defence. Meanwhile, South Korea's investments reflect its strategic imperative to counter regional threats, emphasising the widespread adoption of this transformative technology.

India's High-Energy Laser Systems:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India's primary defence research agency, has been working on developing directed energy weapons (DEWs), including laser-based systems, for countering drone threats. DRDO has shown tested laser dazzlers, which are low-energy laser systems designed to temporarily blind or confuse the sensors of UAVs, rendering them ineffective or forcing them to return to base. These systems can be used as part of an integrated defence system to counter drones.

India has been developing integrated counter-UAV systems that combine radar, electronic warfare, and directed energy technologies to detect, track, and neutralise drones

Another focus area is the Microwave and Electromagnetic Systems based on microwave and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) technologies to disable drones. These systems can target the electronics of UAVs, effectively jamming or frying their circuits, rendering them inoperable.

India has been developing integrated counter-UAV systems that combine radar, electronic warfare, and directed energy technologies to detect, track, and neutralise drones. These systems are designed to provide protection for critical infrastructure, military bases, and border areas where drone threats are increasingly common.

Indian companies and research institutions are collaborating with the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy to test and deploy various counter-drone technologies, including directed energy weapons. "The aim is to create a multi-layered defence against UAVs that integrates DES with traditional kinetic interceptors," explains Amit Kumar Dubey, an Expert in the Design and Development of Directed Energy Systems

Moreover, the Border Security Force (BSF) and other security agencies are reportedly exploring laser-based systems for border security, particularly to counter drones being used for surveillance or smuggling activities across India's borders. Drones have been used by adversaries for surveillance and to transport contraband, and directed energy systems could be highly effective in neutralising these threats at long ranges.

The Indian Army has conducted field trials of various counter-drone technologies, including directed energy systems. These trials are aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of lasers and microwave systems in neutralising UAVs in real-world scenarios.

Laser weapon systems operate at the speed of light, offering instantaneous engagement and unparalleled precision while requiring no consumables beyond electricity, making them a cost-effective solution over time

While India has made progress, there are challenges related to the high cost and technological complexity of directed energy systems. The development of these systems requires substantial investment in research, infrastructure, and testing.

One of the main challenges is integrating directed energy systems with existing defence infrastructure, such as radar and missile defence systems, to create an effective multi-layered counter-UAV defence network.

Global Market Trends and Projections

The global market for directed energy weapons, including laser systems, is experiencing significant growth. According to recent reports, the market was valued at approximately $9.24 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $20.89 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.48 per cent during the forecast period.

The development of high-energy lasers and improvements in beam control and power generation are driving market expansion.

These statistics underscore the growing recognition of directed energy weapons as a pivotal component of modern defence strategies.

Why LWS is the Future

On this, an expert like Dr. Lakshman Singh, a scientist working with HAL, outlines that laser weapon systems operate at the speed of light, delivering instantaneous engagement. He says: "Unlike traditional munitions, they require no consumables beyond electricity, offering a cost-effective solution over time. Their surgical precision minimises collateral damage, making them indispensable in urban warfare and high-stakes scenarios."

LWS can dynamically neutralise multiple targets within seconds, addressing the growing challenge of drone swarms. Their scalability—from ground-based units to naval and airborne platforms—further cements their position as a cornerstone of modern defence systems.

Advanced Laser Technologies

Modern laser systems are classified based on their operational mechanisms and applications. High-energy lasers (HEL), for example, are designed for destroying hard targets like drones and missiles. Fibre lasers, solid-state lasers, and chemical lasers are among the most prominent technologies in this domain. Fibre lasers, in particular, are gaining popularity due to their high efficiency, compact design, and scalability.

The global market for directed energy weapons is projected to grow from $9.24 billion in 2022 to $20.89 billion by 2031, reflecting their pivotal role in modern defence strategies

However, the most cutting-edge development is the advent of Adaptive Optics (AO) in laser systems, which compensates for atmospheric distortion and ensures precise targeting over long distances. How does it work?

"Beam combining techniques, such as spectral beam combining, are also enabling the generation of higher power levels, making lasers more effective against hardened targets," explains Dr. Lakshman.

Broader Implications from Other Conflicts

The Israel-Hamas conflict and Houthi rebel incursions highlight the escalating use of drones in asymmetric warfare, targeting civilian infrastructure and military assets alike. These cases underscore the urgent need for robust systems like LWS, which offer a reliable, continuous defence without dependency on conventional ammunition supply chains.

Israel's Iron Beam system exemplifies how LWS can complement existing defensive frameworks, creating a multi-layered approach capable of addressing a spectrum of threats. The adaptability of such systems ensures their relevance across diverse conflict scenarios.

Despite the progress, there are some technical challenges. The widespread adoption of LWS faces challenges as power generation, beam control, and atmospheric conditions can limit operational effectiveness. However, advancements in adaptive optics, beam stabilisation, and energy storage are rapidly overcoming these hurdles, paving the way for their broader deployment.

A Call to Action

Laser weapon systems offer a revolutionary approach to countering drone threats, combining precision, efficiency, and scalability to meet the challenges of modern combat. The advanced military must prioritise the development and integration of LWS into defence arsenals, ensuring preparedness for the battles of today and tomorrow.

The defence entities and scientific institutions must act decisively to harness the potential of LWS, ushering in a new era of security and stability.

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.