New Delhi, July 2026 : Navi Mumbai-based Paras Defence is making significant strides in India’s indigenous defence technology landscape with the development of the RayStrike-9, a Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) designed to counter the growing threat posed by hostile drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The laser-based weapon marks an important milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its air defence capabilities while advancing the government’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Designed in the 3kW to 9kW power class, the RayStrike-9 offers scalable laser configurations to meet varying operational requirements. The system has been engineered to detect, track and neutralise enemy drones and drone swarms with exceptional precision, engaging targets at the speed of light. Its operational range of 1.2 to 2.5 kilometres makes it suitable for protecting military installations, strategic infrastructure and other high-value assets from close- and medium-range aerial threats.
The advanced system has been developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS). It combines high-energy laser technology with artificial intelligence-powered targeting algorithms and sophisticated electro-optical systems, enabling rapid identification, tracking and engagement of multiple aerial targets simultaneously. This capability is particularly valuable in countering coordinated drone swarm attacks, which are increasingly becoming a major challenge for modern armed forces.
One of the RayStrike-9’s biggest operational advantages is its virtually unlimited firing capability. Unlike conventional missile-based or kinetic interception systems that require ammunition replenishment after every engagement, the laser weapon can repeatedly engage incoming threats without the logistical burden of resupply. This significantly lowers the cost per interception, making it an economical and sustainable solution against low-cost drones and loitering munitions that have become widely available in modern conflict zones.
Paras Defence has also broadened its counter-drone portfolio through strategic international partnerships. The company has secured exclusive manufacturing and commercialisation rights in India for the Guardian-1 Interceptor under an agreement with US-based Tandem Defense LLC. The kinetic interceptor complements the RayStrike-9 by providing an additional layer of defence against hostile drones, allowing security forces to deploy both directed-energy and conventional interception technologies depending on the nature of the threat.
In addition to high-powered laser systems, the company has developed portable counter-drone solutions designed for rapid deployment. These include a Manpack Drone Detector, capable of monitoring radio frequencies between 400 MHz and 6 GHz, along with handheld drone jammers that can disrupt hostile unmanned aircraft. Lightweight and mobile, these systems are particularly suited for use by security forces operating in urban environments, border areas, critical infrastructure and other sensitive locations where larger defence systems may not be practical.
The development of the RayStrike-9 reflects India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence innovation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By leveraging DRDO-CHESS expertise in optics, electromagnetic technologies and AI-enabled targeting, Paras Defence aims to deliver battlefield-ready systems that reduce dependence on imported military equipment while enhancing the country’s technological capabilities.
Globally, major military powers including the United States, China and Russia are investing heavily in directed energy weapons, recognising high-powered laser systems as a key component of future air defence strategies. India’s progress with the RayStrike-9 signals its determination to remain at the forefront of these technological developments.
With its ability to destroy hostile drones almost instantaneously, low operating costs and advanced AI-driven targeting, the RayStrike-9 is expected to become a vital element of India’s layered air defence architecture, strengthening the country’s preparedness against evolving aerial threats and reinforcing its position in the global defence technology sector.
(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
