DAPA has announced that its vehicle-mounted laser weapon, which will be used against UAVs, will enter production soon. The laser weapon dubbed Block-I on a 4x4 vehicle is fitted with optics and a 20 kW laser weapon. The Asian country has been facing small-scale intrusions from North Korean drones through its border, which might be the reason a move has been made to acquire laser weapons.
Laser weapons of this class are currently in use by the Turkish Army (ARMOL) and Gendarmerie (JARMOL), both of which serve a similar purpose. Additionally, the U.S. is working on improvements for its Stryker 8x8-mounted 50 kW HEL and Germany is working on integrating a laser weapon on its Skyranger 30 30 mm SPAAG and warships.
Laser weapons have the advantage of extremely low costs per engagement and ammo supply as long as the generator can supply power. However, their range and target set are limited due to the current possible output. The endgame for laser weapons is to develop hundreds of kW range systems and engage more durable threats like cruise missiles, RAM threats, and aircraft at longer ranges.
