IndoDefence 2025: Indonesia Fields New Laser Weapon to Counter Kamikaze Drone Threat.

At the 2025 edition of Indodefense, the leading defense exhibition in Southeast Asia, the state-owned company PAL Indonesia reveals a new system designed to counter the growing use of short-range reconnaissance and loitering drones, particularly those operated in First Person View (FPV) mode. This device, presented in the form of a shoulder-fired weapon, is intended to dazzle or disrupt the optical systems of these drones using a high-powered laser beam.
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The laser’s output ranges between 0.75 and 2.0 kilowatts, sufficient to temporarily blind or potentially damage the optronic sensors of small commercial or improvised drones. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The system stands out for its compact design, reminiscent of a grenade launcher, with ergonomics adapted for shoulder firing. It is equipped with an optical sight offering variable magnification from 1x to 4x, enabling fast target acquisition, even when tracking moving drones. The operator benefits from a balanced configuration, with the power supply housed in a separate backpack-mounted battery, reducing the weight carried on the weapon itself.

From a technical perspective, the laser’s output ranges between 0.75 and 2.0 kilowatts, sufficient to temporarily blind or potentially damage the optronic sensors of small commercial or improvised drones. The stated operational range extends from 50 to 400 meters, making it particularly suitable for urban environments, fixed positions, or the close protection of convoys and sensitive installations. The system is calibrated to engage small aerial targets with dimensions around 15 cm by 20 cm, which corresponds to the typical size of FPV drones observed in recent conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East. The weapon’s weight varies between 4 and 4.5 kg, making it a truly man-portable system.

With its size and configuration, the system developed by PAL Indonesia is intended to provide a flexible response to asymmetrical threats posed by inexpensive drones, whose widespread use in recent conflicts has demonstrated their ability to challenge traditional air defense systems. The design allows for rapid integration into security units, forward observation posts, or forces deployed in complex environments, without requiring substantial logistical support.

The manufacturer, PAL Indonesia, traditionally focused on naval shipbuilding and maritime defense systems, signals with this unveiling its intention to expand into counter-drone technologies, in response to the shifting dynamics of modern warfare. Although no official announcement has been made regarding procurement by the Indonesian armed forces, this development aligns with a broader trend in which directed energy systems, particularly lasers, are becoming integral components of close-range defense strategies. In the absence of restrictive export controls in several countries across the region, the system could attract interest from regional actors seeking effective and lightweight countermeasures against improvised drone swarms.

The increasing deployment of such systems reflects an evolution in military doctrine, as armed forces seek immediate and cost-effective solutions to the proliferation of tactical drones. Through this development, PAL Indonesia demonstrates its intent to address emerging operational demands both domestically and internationally.