India Deploys DRDO-BEL ‘D4’ Counter-Drone System with Powerful 12 kW Laser Weapon

India has taken a significant leap in drone defense technology with the induction of the D4 Counter-Drone System, jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and productionised by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The system, which has already proven itself in operational scenarios, is designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones in real time, offering the military a powerful shield against the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The D4 system is capable of tackling both micro and small drones—the kind often used for surveillance, smuggling, or even weaponized attacks. Using advanced sensors and integrated command systems, it can search, detect, and track drones, then neutralize them either through soft kill (electronic jamming, GPS spoofing) or hard kill (direct destruction).

How It Works

The D4’s core components include:

• RADAR System – Detects and tracks drones at long ranges.

• Electro-Optical (EO) System – High-resolution CCD and infrared cameras with laser rangefinders to visually identify targets both day and night.

• DF Counter-Drone Subsystem – Intercepts the drone’s communication signals, jams its radio frequencies, and disrupts GPS navigation to disable it without physical destruction.

• Laser Directed Energy Weapon – A powerful 12 kW laser capable of destroying drones mid-flight with pinpoint accuracy.

• Command & Control Centre (C3) – Coordinates all sensors and weapons, providing operators with optical/thermal images and RF spectrum data in real time.

Why It Matters

Drones are increasingly being used by both state and non-state actors for spying, contraband delivery, and even cross-border terrorist activities. Recent incidents along the India-Pakistan border have shown small drones carrying weapons and explosives into Indian territory. The D4 system gives security forces the ability to respond instantly, stopping such threats before they can cause harm.

The 12 kW laser represents a major leap in India’s directed-energy capabilities, allowing for rapid, precise destruction of drones without relying solely on ammunition. Unlike missiles or gunfire, lasers can operate with minimal logistical resupply, making them highly cost-effective for sustained defense.

With its combination of radar surveillance, electro-optical tracking, RF jamming, and laser destruction, the D4 is considered a multi-layered defense system—capable of protecting military bases, airports, critical infrastructure, and even VIP events from drone intrusions.

Officials say the system will be deployed at strategic locations across the country, with further upgrades planned to extend range, enhance AI-based automatic target recognition, and integrate with India’s wider air defense network.

This marks a crucial step in India’s push toward self-reliance in advanced defense technologies while also placing the country among a small group of nations capable of operationalizing high-powered laser-based counter-drone weapons.