DRDO Advances 30kW Laser Weapon for Drone Defense, Plans Industry Partnership
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed final trials of its 30kW directed-energy laser weapon designed to counter drone swarms and UAVs at ranges up to 5 km. DRDO plans to seek an industry partner within six months to develop the system's first production model. The weapon was tested in 2025 and is expected to be deployed by the end of 2026. DRDO is also developing more powerful laser systems, including the 100kW Durga-2 and 300kW Surya, aimed at intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is positive (65/100). Lens Score 46/100.
Outlets measured: firstpost, httpswwwoutlookindiacom. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (55–75/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
httpswwwoutlookindiacom broke this story on 21 Sept, 03:02 am. Other outlets followed.