Pakistan Army is ‘Shaking’ After Indian Army Announced DURGA LASER Tech! #shorts

DRDO's DURGA Project Aims to Rewrite Drone Warfare Economics for Indian Armed Forces India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is accelerating work on its ambitious DURGA (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array) programme, a directed-energy weapon project that defence experts believe could significantly reduce the cost of countering hostile drones and other aerial threats. The development has gained renewed attention following recent conflicts that highlighted the growing challenge posed by large numbers of low-cost drones. The DURGA programme is part of India's broader push into directed-energy weapons, including high-powered laser and microwave systems capable of disabling or destroying drones using concentrated energy rather than traditional missiles or ammunition. DRDO has already demonstrated several laser-based anti-drone systems and is working on more powerful variants with longer engagement ranges. Military analysts say the project addresses a growing problem known as "cost asymmetry" in modern warfare. In recent years, relatively inexpensive drones—sometimes costing only a few thousand dollars—have increasingly been used for surveillance, attacks and cross-border operations. Defending against them often requires expensive interceptor missiles or sophisticated air-defence systems whose costs can be many times higher than the drones themselves. The challenge became particularly visible during recent India-Pakistan military tensions, where the threat of swarms of low-cost drones emerged as a major concern. Defence experts argue that using conventional missiles against every incoming drone is economically unsustainable in a prolonged conflict. A laser weapon, by contrast, can engage targets at a fraction of the cost, with the primary expense being electricity rather than a missile that must be replaced after every launch. Supporters of the DURGA programme describe it as a potential game changer for India's border security. Once operational, a directed-energy system could rapidly engage multiple drones without exhausting missile inventories, providing a cheaper and potentially more scalable defensive solution. DRDO's ongoing work on laser-based counter-drone systems and high-power microwave weapons reflects this broader strategic objective. The technology could also strengthen India's defence against future swarm attacks, in which dozens or even hundreds of drones are launched simultaneously to overwhelm traditional air-defence networks. Experts note that such tactics are becoming increasingly common in conflicts around the world, forcing militaries to seek alternatives to missile-based interception. Despite the promise of the technology, challenges remain. Directed-energy weapons must overcome issues related to power generation, atmospheric conditions, target tracking and sustained battlefield performance. Defence officials caution that while progress has been significant, the systems are still undergoing development and testing before they can be deployed on a large scale. Nevertheless, the growing focus on DURGA reflects a broader shift in military thinking. Rather than relying solely on expensive interceptors to defeat inexpensive drones, India is seeking technologies that can reverse the economics of modern warfare. If successful, the programme could help ensure that future drone threats are countered not only effectively, but also at a cost that remains sustainable during extended military operations. Subscribe to FactTechz