China's most advanced laser weapon is deployed on a Type 071 amphibious landing ship in the South China Sea, enhancing near-shore anti-drone capabilities for potential conflicts in disputed waters.
The US Army is set to sign a major contract with AeroVironment for the Enduring High Energy Laser, making laser weapons an official operational program to counter cheap attack drones.
美國駐歐洲空軍已在歐洲多處未公開地點部署「緊緻型雷射武器系統」，結合電戰及火箭彈建立分層反無人機防禦網，以保護美軍基地和設施，應對無人機威脅。此舉是鑑於烏俄戰爭經驗及俄羅斯在北約空域的無人機活動。
Israel is developing a space-based laser weapon to target satellites, aiming for a unique military capability. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the initiative, citing a need to counter adversaries like Iran and maintain a technological edge.
China's Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology has developed the Lijian series of laser weapons designed to shoot down drones. The portable models, Lijian II and Lijian III, are lightweight and consist of three main components, making them easily transportable.
India is developing indigenous laser weapons under Project Sudarshan Chakra to counter drone and missile threats from Pakistan and China. These directed-energy systems offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution for air defense, complementing existing missile and gun systems.
Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, are rapidly acquiring laser weapon systems to counter the growing threat of drones, driven by technological advancements and the cost-effectiveness of these systems compared to traditional missiles.
The US Navy has deployed two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with the ODIN laser system in the Indian Ocean to counter drones and enemy sensors. While laser weapons are still developing, their capabilities are expected to improve over time.
Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar are rapidly acquiring laser weapons due to technological maturity, the proliferation of drones, and the Iran war, seeking cost-effective drone countermeasures.
Israel has reportedly sent its advanced 'Iron Beam' laser defence system and surveillance tech to the UAE to counter Iranian threats, marking a significant defence cooperation step. This deployment, alongside US military sales to regional allies, underscores escalating tensions and a bolstered regional security posture amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
Israel has reportedly sent its advanced 'Iron Beam' laser defence system and surveillance tech to the UAE to counter Iranian threats, marking a significant defence cooperation step. This deployment, alongside US military sales to regional allies, underscores escalating tensions and a bolstered regional security posture amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
Russia has expanded its list of weapons and equipment protecting the country's airspace borders to include interceptor drones and laser weapons, according to a government decree. The updated list covers various types of radars, air defense systems, helicopters, planes, ships, boats, electronic warfare equipment, jammers, and unified launchers capable of engaging aerospace attack assets and their controls.
A Russian military expert has identified hypersonic missiles, drones, and laser/electromagnetic weapons as the most promising sectors of Russian weapons development. The expert noted that Russia possesses advanced weapon systems not yet disclosed to the public, including high-precision hypersonic missiles capable of maneuvering along unpredictable trajectories.
The US Navy has requested fiscal 2027 funding for the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS), a new Army-Navy collaboration designed to counter cruise missiles as part of the Golden Dome missile defense. The system will start at 150 kilowatts with potential to scale to 300kW+, with the Navy planning nearly $95 million in FY2027 and $676 million total through 2031. The program draws on Lockheed Martin's HELIOS naval laser experience, with contracts expected by March 2027.
The US Navy conducted the first test of the Locust laser weapon system to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Bush. This marks the first time a laser weapon has been installed on an aircraft carrier. The Locust system, with an estimated power of 26 kilowatts, uses special sensors including high-frequency radars and radio frequency signal detection systems for guidance. While lasers provide virtually unlimited ammunition, they can be affected by weather conditions, smoke, and dust, requiring higher power for longer distances.
