Axiscades to Bring France’s Helma P Laser Counter‑Drone System to India.

India’s Axiscades Technologies and French defence firm Cilas have signed a memorandum of understanding to introduce the Helma‑P high‑energy laser counter‑drone system to India.

Under the initiative, the system will be integrated with Axiscades’ command‑and‑control architecture and its mobile, vehicle‑mounted counter‑drone platforms.

Indigenization of sensors and command‑and‑control, coupled with local maintenance, will help advance India’s goal of self‑reliance in the defence sector while meeting the country’s operational requirements.

“Together, we aim to advance Self Reliant India, strengthen India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem, and contribute to the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces through world-class, co-developed solutions”, Axiscades stated.

Helma‑P:

The proven system can detect, identify, track, and neutralize agile targets with extreme precision in both open operational theatres and dense urban environments. The Helma-P has already seen operational deployment, including at the Paris 2024 Olympics, demonstrating its effectiveness in a high-profile security environment.

It offers an extended engagement range of 1.7 kilometres (1 miles) and can neutralise threats via optical jamming or physical destruction. The system requires no ammunition, eliminating pre engagement firing costs, and delivers its effects silently with a minimal visible signature.

In addition to unmanned aerial systems, Helma-P can neutralise robots, radars, improvised explosive devices, rockets, artillery, and mortars.

Earlier in June 2023, the French Navy had conducted a further test of its High-Energy Laser for Multiple Applications – Power (HELMA-P) weapon from the Horizon Class Forbin Destroyer. The trial in the Mediterranean Sea was conducted in cooperation with the country’s defence procurement agency (DGA) and local laser technology firm CILAS.

According to the navy, the test was meant to address increasing drone threats in the maritime environment. “At sea, aerial drones can be used to monitor, disrupt or attack ships and aircraft”, the service said. “The Navy is fully involved in the work on the fight against drones carried out with the other armies and the DGA, with a view to acquiring specific means”.

Team Maverick