Saudi Arabia Deploys China-made Laser-firing Anti-drone System against Houthi UAVs

Saudi Arabia is said to have deployed Chinese-made Silent Hunter laser air defense systems.

The lasers were procured to protect Riyadh against reconnaissance UAVs and loitering munitions fired by Iran-backed Houthi militia.

Although not officially confirmed, a satellite image circulating on social media showed a combat vehicle that is the same as on the model of that version of the Silent Hunter which was presented for Saudi Arabia at an exhibition. A Chinese 3D TWA radar also operates near the laser system.

The Silent Hunter was delivered to Saudi Arabia in March 2022.

Silent Hunter is installed on a container that is towed by a 6×6 truck. This is an improved version of the 30-kW low-altitude laser protection system, which is available in both stationary and mobile versions.

This laser system uses an electrically powered fiber-optic laser.

Manufacturer Poly Technologies claims that it has a maximum power of 30-100kW and a maximum range of 4km.

Houthis reportedly have Iran-made Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, the same UAVs Russia has been using in the ongoing war against Ukraine.