A video released by Chinese AVIC responsible for the new fighter jet dubbed “J-36” has released a promotional video showing a self-defence system using lasers.
The video shows two laser directors extending from a side internal bay to “destroy” incoming missiles from the rear, but they appear to be capable of working at both front and rear aspects. Due to the presence of three engines, J-36 has been theorised to be a design emphasising energy generation in addition to range and low observability.
Judging by the size and possible power generation capability, it would be far-fetched to say that the laser turrets shown can destroy incoming missiles in a matter of seconds. But considering the power generation assumed to be higher than the current fighter jets, the laser is more likely to be able to damage guidance systems. Optical seekers like IIR types would be the most vulnerable kind in this affair due to their sensitivity to lasers. However, RF-based seekers are sure to require more power at the same distance as they operate on a whole different wavelength. Thus, the seeker has to be damaged through the radome.
Use of Lasers as Means of Functional Kill
Using lasers to disrupt the guidance has been available in some fighters and helicopters in the form of DIRCM systems, which send laser beams on optically guided missiles (Such as MANPADS or BVRAAMs).
Over the past few years, Turkiye and the U.S. have started exploring the possibility of using larger and longer ranged DIRCMs on warships to cancel out the optical seekers of incoming munitions. Due to longer range than gun-based CIWS and low cost per engagement, ship-based DIRCMs are envisioned as defensive assets to take the workload off hard-kill systems.
The area of utilising laser weapons with physical damage capabilities against missiles does not have any operational examples, at least for the time being. The U.S. has proposed laser weapon pods with the capability to damage optics and other types of seekers on fighter jets and, recently, a smaller version against small UAVs for the MQ-9B UCAV.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
