DRDO's $3 Solution to a $30,000 Shahed Drone Problem

The DRDO has developed DURGA-II, a formidable directed energy weapon designed to neutralize modern aerial threats, specifically targeting the growing menace of low-cost loitering munitions. As the Indian Navy modernizes its defense grid, this 100-kilowatt laser system provides a critical shield against swarm attacks. Unlike expensive surface-to-air missiles, DURGA-II offers an infinite magazine and light-speed interception, drastically reducing the cost per kill. This technological leap is especially vital for countering the proliferation of Iran drones that have heavily disrupted global security dynamics. A prime example is the Shahed 136, a highly prevalent kamikaze drone known for exhausting traditional air defenses through sheer numbers. By utilizing concentrated optical power, DURGA-II can instantly burn through the composite shell and electronics of these autonomous threats well before they reach their destination. Consequently, the integration of such laser weaponry ensures high-value maritime assets remain impenetrable against asymmetric drone warfare and modern swarm tactics.