DRDO shows high-power microwave directed-energy system aimed at countering drone swarms
DRDO has unveiled a model of a high-power microwave directed-energy weapon system designed to defeat swarming drones. The system, under development at DRDO’s MTRDC in Bengaluru, was showcased at an electronic warfare conference and is undergoing trials.
A directed-energy approach to counter-UAS threats
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled a model of a high-power microwave (HPM) directed-energy weapon system being developed to counter unmanned aircraft systems, including drone swarms. The display signals a growing focus on non-kinetic air-defence options that can disable targets without conventional missiles or gunfire.
According to Janes, the prototype is a product of DRDO’s Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre (MTRDC), a laboratory based in Bengaluru. The model was shown during the 2026 International Conference on Electronic Warfare (EWCI), held from 20 to 22 January 2026.
What is known about trials and capability
A project member cited in the report said the HPM programme began in 2019 and that the prototype is currently in trials and testing. The system has reportedly disabled small commercial quadcopter-type UAVs (such as DJI Phantom-class drones) at ranges of up to around 1 kilometre.
High-power microwave systems aim to disrupt or damage electronics by directing intense microwave energy toward a target, potentially offering a way to tackle multiple drones quickly if they enter the engagement envelope. This is particularly relevant as low-cost drones and coordinated swarms become more common in modern conflict and security scenarios.
Why this matters for India’s security stack
Counter-UAS needs span military bases, border areas, critical infrastructure and high-profile events. Directed-energy options can complement layered defences that also include detection sensors, electronic jamming, and hard-kill interceptors. India’s display of an HPM concept indicates continued investment in indigenous electronic warfare and counter-drone technologies, with an emphasis on systems that can be deployed on the ground and integrated with broader air-defence networks.