Drones, Anti-Drone, and AI Systems: India’s New-Age Defence Shield
Laser Weapons, Microwave Systems, Loitering Munitions, and AI Surveillance Redefining Modern Warfare
India is rapidly transforming its defence ecosystem by integrating drones, anti-drone systems, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into military operations. Recent developments by DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces (2024–2026) reflect a decisive shift towards precision warfare, autonomous systems, and non-kinetic weapons, crucial for countering emerging security threats.
1. Sahastra Shakti – Laser Directed Energy Weapon (April 2025)
DRDO successfully tested “Sahastra Shakti,” a 30 kW laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
Capability: Neutralizes hostile drones at a range of up to 5 km.Significance:
Instant engagementLow cost per shot
No conventional ammunition required
Exam Focus: Laser-DEWs are key anti-drone systems for protecting sensitive installations and borders.
2. High-Power Microwave (HPM) Anti-Drone System (Jan 2026)
DRDO unveiled a High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon designed to disable UAVs electronically.
Range: Effective up to 5 km.Unique Feature:
Non-kinetic systemDisables multiple drones simultaneously by frying onboard electronics
Exam Highlight: HPM systems are part of next-generation electronic warfare and counter-drone strategies.
3. Nagastra-1 – Indigenous Loitering Munition (2024)
India inducted Nagastra-1, its first indigenous loitering munition (suicide drone).
Operational Features:
Designed for high-altitude warfareRange: 15 km
Importance: Enables precision strikes with minimal collateral damage.
Exam Tip: Loitering munitions bridge the gap between drones and missiles.
4. Divya Drishti – AI-Based Surveillance Tool
Divya Drishti is an advanced AI surveillance system developed for enhanced situational awareness.
Capabilities:
Face recognitionGait analysis
Skeleton detection
Significance: Strengthens intelligence, monitoring, and threat identification in crowded or sensitive areas.
Exam Focus: AI-based surveillance is critical for internal security and border management.
5. FPV Kamikaze Drone (March 2025)
Developed in collaboration with the Indian Army, the FPV (First-Person View) Kamikaze Drone enhances precision drone warfare.
Key Features:
Real-time visual targetingHigh accuracy against tactical targets
Use Case: Effective in urban and battlefield scenarios where precision is crucial.
Exam Highlight: FPV drones represent the evolution of low-cost, high-impact combat drones.
Quick Revision Table – Drones & AI Systems
| System | Category | Key Capability | Exam Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahastra Shakti | Laser-DEW | 30 kW, 5 km anti-drone | Non-kinetic defence |
| HPM System | Microwave-DEW | Disables UAV electronics | Electronic warfare |
| Nagastra-1 | Loitering Munition | 15 km, high-altitude use | Suicide drone |
| Divya Drishti | AI Surveillance | Face, gait, skeleton detection | AI in security |
| FPV Kamikaze Drone | Combat Drone | Precision strike | Low-cost warfare |
Why These Systems Matter for Exams
Reflect future warfare trends: AI, autonomy, and directed energy
Linked with Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defence productionFrequently asked in UPSC, CDS, NDA, DRDO, and state PSC exams
Conclusion
India’s advancements in drones, anti-drone weapons, and AI systems mark a decisive leap toward technology-driven defence preparedness. With systems like Sahastra Shakti, HPM-DEW, Nagastra-1, and Divya Drishti, India is building a multi-layered, intelligent, and indigenous security architecture suited for modern and future battlefields.