Russia Tests Laser Systems to Counter Drones in Air Defense Push

Russia has conducted large-scale trials of advanced laser systems designed to target unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The tests took place at a specialized military range and involved eight laser systems, ranging from compact mobile platforms to high-powered stationary weapons. These systems were tested against various UAVs, including reconnaissance and combat drones, under different weather conditions to assess their accuracy, range, and reaction speed, Anadolu Agency reports.

“These technologies will form one of the key elements of the universal air defense system President Vladimir Putin recently called for,” the Board of the Military-Industrial Complex said in a statement following the trials.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the tests confirmed the lasers’ effectiveness in neutralizing drone threats and demonstrated their potential use in protecting critical infrastructure.

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov was present at the testing site, underscoring the government's high-level interest in developing laser-based defense technologies.

The laser systems are being developed by state-owned corporations Rostec and Rosatom. Officials said plans are in place to begin serial production and broader deployment now that the systems have passed initial testing.