Indian private aerospace and military equipment manufacturer, Paras Defence and Space Technologies, has publicly introduced the RayStrike 9, a new high-power laser weapon system.
This release highlights the company's evolution from a manufacturer of specialized sub-components to a prominent developer within India's expanding Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) sector.
It also signals a broader shift as private enterprises increasingly contribute to advanced military hardware, a space previously dominated by state-run defence laboratories.
System Capabilities and Design
Built in various power outputs ranging from 3kW to 9kW, the RayStrike 9 is specifically engineered to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and neutralize short-range airborne threats.The platform operates on a "Track, Locate and Kill" principle, firing concentrated, high-energy laser beams to destroy targets.
To achieve this, the modular system fuses several advanced technologies into a single compact unit:
- Targeting and Tracking: Integrates artificial intelligence-assisted targeting with high-resolution electro-optical sensors for seamless daytime and nighttime operations.
- Engagement Range: Depending on the selected power output and the nature of the target, the weapon can effectively engage threats at distances between 1.2 and 2.5 kilometres.
- Deployment Flexibility: The system is adaptable for vehicle-mounted operations or as a man-portable unit, making it suitable for defending critical infrastructure, securing military bases, or moving with mobile air defence units.
- Durability: Features robust weatherproofing and ruggedization, ensuring the platform remains fully operational across a wide variety of challenging environments.
The Economic Edge in Modern Warfare
The introduction of the RayStrike 9 arrives at a time when the rapid proliferation of inexpensive drones and loitering munitions has dramatically reshaped modern combat.Traditional missile-based air defence systems are proving financially inefficient for shooting down cheap, mass-produced drones.
Laser systems offer a highly economical alternative, providing continuous Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) coverage with an extremely low cost-per-shot and no reliance on traditional ammunition logistics.
Underscoring this strategic pivot, Paras Defence secured a pivotal ₹142.31 crore contract in March 2025 from the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS).
The 24-month project mandates the development of a Laser Source Module and its integration with a mobile Beam Control System (BCS), laying the groundwork for systems like the RayStrike 9 to enter field trials by 2027.
Driving Indigenous Innovation
India has steadily amplified its focus on directed energy technologies, with DRDO spearheading several high-energy beam and anti-drone prototypes. The active participation of private sector firms promises to speed up the domestic production of these critical assets.Historically recognized for supplying space components, military optics, and electro-optical suites, Paras Defence is now expanding its portfolio to include autonomous surveillance, comprehensive drone countermeasures, and complete system integration.
The successful fielding of the RayStrike 9 will not only bolster the Indian Armed Forces but could also position India as a competitive exporter in the growing global market for high-power laser defence solutions.
