Sahastra Shakti
| Sahastra Shakti | |
|---|---|
| Type | Directed-energy weapon |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2024–present |
| Used by | Indian Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Manufacturer | DRDO |
| Produced | 2024–present |
| Variants | Mk1, Mk2, Mk2A, Surya |
Sahastra Shakti is an advanced directed-energy weapon (DEW) system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It represents a significant advancement in India's indigenous defense technology, focusing on neutralizing aerial threats such as drones, missiles, and other airborne targets using high-energy lasers.
Development
The genesis of Sahastra Shakti can be traced back to a 2012 research initiative advocating for indigenous laser-based defense systems. Initially spearheaded by the Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), the project later saw collaboration with the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) and other DRDO laboratories. The program has evolved through various phases, culminating in the development of multiple prototypes with escalating power outputs and capabilities."DRDO tests directed energy weapon system that can disable drones, missiles". The Hindu. 13 April 2025.
Variants
Mk1
The Mk1 variant is a 2-kilowatt laser system effective against small drones at a range of approximately 1 kilometer. It has been deployed in border areas and has successfully neutralized hostile drones, including a Chinese-made drone near the Line of Control in April 2025."Indian Army uses new DRDO laser to neutralise Chinese drone near LoC". The Economic Times. 13 April 2025.
Mk2
The Mk2 version enhances the system's capabilities by combining six 2-kilowatt lasers to produce a 12-kilowatt beam, extending its effective range to over 2 kilometers."DRDO tests laser-based weapon system, destroys drones in seconds". India Today. 13 April 2025.
Mk2A
The Mk2A is a 30-kilowatt directed-energy weapon capable of engaging targets at distances up to 4–5 kilometers. It integrates six 5-kilowatt lasers and is mounted on a mobile truck platform for rapid deployment. This variant can disable drones, helicopters, and surveillance equipment by targeting their sensors and communication systems."DRDO tests directed energy weapon system that can disable drones, missiles". The Hindu. 13 April 2025.
Surya
Under development, the Surya variant aims to deliver a 300-kilowatt laser with a range of up to 20 kilometers. It is designed to counter fast-moving threats such as incoming missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Capabilities
Sahastra Shakti systems are equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors, providing 360-degree coverage for target detection and tracking. The systems can perform both "soft-kill" operations, such as jamming and spoofing, and "hard-kill" operations by physically destroying targets with laser beams. The mobility of these systems allows for flexible deployment across various terrains and operational scenarios.
Operational Use
In April 2025, the Mk1 variant of Sahastra Shakti was successfully used to destroy a Chinese-made drone operated by the Pakistani Army near the Line of Control. This marked a significant milestone in the operational deployment of India's directed-energy weapons."Indian Army uses new DRDO laser to neutralise Chinese drone near LoC". The Economic Times. 13 April 2025.
Future Prospects
DRDO is actively working on scaling up the power output of Sahastra Shakti systems to 50–100 kilowatts and beyond, aiming to counter more robust threats such as artillery projectiles, aircraft, and cruise missiles. There are also plans to miniaturize these systems for integration into naval vessels, aircraft, and potentially space-based platforms.
See also
- Directed-energy weapon
- Defence Research and Development Organisation
- Mission Shakti
- Laser weapon
- Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), a previous laser system designed by the United States and Israel for similar purposes that was cancelled in 2005.
- DragonFire, a similar UK weapon expected to be operational in 2027.
- Light Blade, a simpler Israeli air defense laser system, deployed to shoot down balloons.
References
References
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