Several systems have been tested and are being manufactured in limited numbers, with plans to expand production, Denis Manturov has said
Russia is planning to actively deploy anti-drone laser systems in the near future, with several models already in production, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov has said.
The official told TASS on Tuesday that “we have… models that are already being supplied, in small quantities for now.”
“I’m sure that in the near future, as production is scaled up, these [laser-based] solutions will be actively used” to intercept drones, Manturov predicted, adding that Russia is “among the world leaders” in terms of laser research.
In mid-June, Manturov attended the trials of eight novel anti-aircraft laser systems, ranging from “compact mobile devices to stationary high-power systems.”
Footage of the tests released by the Russian government depicted the systems shooting down various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, with some of the downed targets appearing to bear distinct burn marks.
All eight models were reported to have performed satisfactorily, paving the way for their mass production.
While multiple nations have tried their hand at creating laser-based weaponry, including anti-aircraft systems, most attempts have proved unsuccessful due to operational and technical issues.
Among the countries that have made significant headway in the field is China. During the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing on Wednesday, several anti-drone laser-based systems were displayed.
In July, China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) conducted a live-fire demonstration of its new OW5-A50 laser weapon system.
