India to Deploy Domestic Laser Counter-Drone System On China Border

The Indian Army has inducted seven indigenous counter-drone systems for deployment along the border with China in the north.

The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) features both soft and hard-kill options with ranges of 2-5 kilometers (1.24-3 miles) and 800 meters (2,624 feet), respectively, according to The Times of India.

A drone’s soft-kill options include jamming, spoofing, and disrupting communication between the drone and its operator, whereas hard-kill includes directed energy options such as laser and microwaves.

According to the outlet, the vehicle-mounted system deploys jamming and lasers as its soft and hard-kill options.

More Powerful Version Next

“Produced by DRDO {Defence Research and Development Organisation} and Bharat Electronics, these IDD&ISs are Mark-1 variants inducted by the Army Air Defence,” The Times of India quoted a source as saying.

“They will add to the existing counter-drone systems. There will, of course, be advanced IDD&IS versions with longer interception ranges,” he added.

“The systems provide an integrated capability to detect low radar cross-section drones or unmanned aerial vehicles and enable their destruction through integrated application of soft and hard kills.”

Indian Laser-Based Counter Drone Systems

Considered a late starter in drone development, the Indian military has undertaken steps to cover up the lost ground including ordering a DRDO developed 2-10 kilowatt laser-based system for 40 billion Indian Rupees ($38 million).

According to The Times of India, the organization is also developing a powerful counter-drone system, featuring 30-40 kilowatt of laser power and a range of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).

The system’s expected development period is three to five years.