India has recorded a significant advance in autonomous ground warfare technology with the development of a compact 2-kilowatt AI-enabled laser weapon mounted on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). The system has been developed by indigenous defence technology company olee.space and has successfully completed field trials with key stakeholders. It is now ready for operational deployment and commercial sale.
The platform is designed as a directed energy system for close-combat and perimeter defence applications. It is capable of neutralising, disabling, or impairing hostile personnel, vehicles, and equipment within seconds, offering a fast, non-kinetic response to emerging threats. Defence observers view the development as a notable addition to modern battlefield capabilities, where speed, accuracy, and autonomy are increasingly critical.
Commenting on the development, James Solomon, Founder and CEO of olee.space, said,
“This platform reflects a fundamental shift in how ground defence and perimeter security can be managed. By integrating directed energy, artificial intelligence, and autonomous mobility into a compact system, we are enhancing operational effectiveness while reducing risk to human personnel. It aligns closely with India’s focus on self-reliant, future-ready defence technologies.”
The UGV has a compact footprint, measuring approximately five feet by three feet and weighing under 250 kilograms. Powered by a diesel engine, it is designed for durability and operational efficiency, with a range exceeding 130 kilometres that can be extended with additional fuel capacity. These characteristics make it suitable for prolonged missions in remote or high-risk environments.
Its small size enables deployment across varied terrains, including urban areas, border regions, forests, deserts, and rugged landscapes where conventional armoured platforms are difficult to operate. Despite its compact form, the system delivers high-precision laser engagement supported by artificial intelligence and machine-learning algorithms for autonomous navigation, target identification, and engagement. The platform can be activated rapidly, allowing deployment without exposing personnel to immediate danger.
A key feature of the system is its ability to operate in coordinated swarm formations. Multiple UGVs can be deployed together to secure perimeters, control tactical zones, and protect critical assets. Defence specialists describe this as one of the most advanced ground-based swarm laser weapon platforms currently under development.
The system is designed to operate alongside infantry units and special forces, particularly in close-combat scenarios. By taking on high-risk engagements autonomously, it reduces soldier exposure during operations involving perimeter breaches and hostile incursions. Its ability to function in uncertain and dynamic environments places it within the emerging domain of autonomous, machine-to-machine combat systems.
Following successful trials, olee.space is engaged in discussions with domestic and international defence and security partners aligned with India. The development strengthens India’s position in directed energy weapons, autonomous ground platforms, and AI-driven defence systems—fields traditionally dominated by a small group of technologically advanced nations.
olee.space is a defence and photonics technology company based in Pune, India. The company develops systems in free-space optical communication and directed energy, serving defence, aerospace, and telecommunications sectors. Its solutions support terrestrial, inter-satellite, and ground-to-space communication with a focus on security, reliability, and performance.
