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.
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.
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.
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.
