DRDO Nears Completion of High-Power Microwave Weapon to Defeat Swarm Drones

India is making significant strides in the field of directed energy weapons (DEWs), with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) now in the advanced stages of developing a powerful High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system. This state-of-the-art technology is being specially designed to tackle one of the fastest-growing threats in modern warfare — swarm drones.

What is a High-Power Microwave (HPM) Directed Energy Weapon?

A High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon is a type of directed energy system that uses concentrated microwave radiation to disable or destroy the electronic components of enemy targets. Unlike conventional missiles or guns, it does not physically hit the target but emits intense electromagnetic pulses (EMP) that can fry or disrupt electronic circuits. This makes it especially effective against multiple lightweight aerial threats, like drones, that rely heavily on electronic systems.

Why is India Developing This?

In recent years, the threat of drone swarms — multiple small drones operating together to carry out surveillance or attacks — has grown rapidly. Traditional air defence systems, which use missiles and guns, can struggle to engage so many fast, small, and agile targets at once. DRDO’s HPM DEW system offers a solution by disabling entire groups of drones in a single, rapid burst of microwave energy, without expending missiles or ammunition.

System Overview and Key Features

The upcoming DRDO HPM DEW system is built around two main subsystems:

• S-Band MILO (Microwave Output Oscillator):
  This is a high-powered generator that produces microwave pulses in the S-band frequency range, known for its effectiveness in electronic disruption applications.

• HPM Antenna:
  This specially designed antenna focuses and directs the microwave energy toward the target area, allowing precise control over the beam’s coverage and intensity.

The weapon system is reportedly capable of delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of pulsed microwave power, enough to instantly disable or destroy the electronics of multiple drones flying within its operational range.

How Will It Work in Battle?

Once deployed, the HPM weapon will be integrated with India’s air defence network. When hostile drones or drone swarms are detected, the system will aim its high-energy microwave beams toward the incoming aerial threats. The intense electromagnetic pulse will immediately disrupt the drones' guidance, navigation, and communication systems, causing them to crash or become inoperable mid-air.

This method allows for the simultaneous neutralisation of dozens of drones without the need to physically intercept each one with missiles or bullets.

Strategic Importance

The induction of this system, expected within the next 18 months, will be a major boost to India’s counter-drone capabilities. It’s particularly crucial as drone swarms are increasingly being used in modern conflicts to overwhelm traditional defences. With this advanced directed energy weapon, India will be among the few nations worldwide with an operational HPM-based anti-drone shield.

Additionally, the development showcases India’s growing strength in Electro-Energetic Warfare Operational Systems and High-Voltage Pulsed Technology, pushing the nation toward self-reliance in futuristic defence technologies.

As threats from unmanned aerial vehicles continue to rise, India’s HPM DEW system represents a timely and technologically advanced response. Capable of disabling large numbers of hostile drones in real time, this system promises to fortify national security while placing India firmly among the leaders in directed energy weapon systems.