Russia examines new laser arms

(MENAFN) Russia announced on Friday that it has successfully tested eight new anti-aircraft laser systems specifically designed to counter drone threats. The trials, held at specialized testing grounds, were overseen by top officials including First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and organized by the Military-Industrial Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

According to the government statement, the tests evaluated the systems’ targeting accuracy, destruction range, response speed to moving aerial targets, and resilience to various weather conditions. The eight laser weapons ranged from compact mobile units to powerful stationary systems and were tested against different drone types—from small commercial models to more advanced reconnaissance and attack drones.

Video footage from the trials showed drones being destroyed mid-air by laser beams, with visible burn marks on the wreckage displayed afterward. The statement confirmed that all systems performed according to their manufacturers’ claims, validating the chosen approach for developing integrated defenses to protect critical infrastructure from UAV attacks. The successful tests are expected to lead to mass production and wider deployment of these laser weapons.

While many countries have attempted to develop laser-based anti-aircraft weapons, most have struggled to move beyond prototypes due to technical challenges like limited range and high power demands. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where inexpensive drones play a significant role in battlefield tactics and long-range attacks, has accelerated interest and progress in laser weapon technology. Recently, nations such as Ukraine, India, and Israel have also introduced similar systems.

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