India’s Axiscades Technologies has formalized a partnership with French defense company Cilas through a memorandum of understanding aimed at introducing the Helma-P high-energy laser counter-drone system into the Indian defense landscape. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing India’s aerial defense capabilities by integrating advanced technology into existing military frameworks.
As part of this initiative, the Helma-P system will be seamlessly integrated with Axiscades’ command-and-control architecture, as well as its mobile, vehicle-mounted counter-drone platforms. This integration highlights the focus on indigenization — a pivotal aspect of India’s defense strategy — which aims to bolster local manufacturing and maintenance of defense technologies. The move is aligned with India’s broader objective of achieving self-reliance in its defense sector, addressing both domestic operational needs and international competitiveness.
In a statement, Axiscades emphasized its commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to foster a self-reliant defense ecosystem. The company aims to contribute significantly to the modernization efforts of the Indian Armed Forces by developing world-class solutions in collaboration with Cilas.
The Helma-P system is particularly noteworthy for its operational capabilities. It is designed to detect, identify, track, and neutralize rapidly moving targets with high precision, making it suitable for diverse environments, including bustling urban areas. Having already been deployed at significant events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics, the system has proven effective in securing high-profile venues.
With an extended engagement range of 1.7 kilometers (approximately 1 mile), the Helma-P can neutralize threats using methods like optical jamming or physical destruction without the need for ammunition. This innovative approach not only eliminates the costs associated with per-engagement firing but also ensures a quiet operation with minimal visual signature.
Beyond countering unmanned aerial vehicles, the Helma-P system is versatile enough to address a wide range of threats, including robots, radar systems, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rockets, artillery, and mortars. This broad functional capability positions the Helma-P as a critical asset in modern military operations, reinforcing India’s commitment to advanced defense solutions and operational effectiveness.
