A test video of Ukraine’s self-developed laser weapon “Tryzub” was shown during a conference by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where a small UAV was shot down.
Army Recognition reports that a social media account released the test video after its premiere at the conference titled “European Defense Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defense Industry”.
The development of a laser weapon can be described as another alternative countermeasure in development against UAVs. The Ukrainian industry has developed several different solutions as cheaper alternatives to expensive air defence missiles.
Breakdown of Tryzub
The laser weapon is seen moved by and taken out of a van, giving an idea of the power rating and size. While the authorities state a range of three kilometres against small UAVs, this might be exaggerated as the larger laser weapons that have been in development for years barely reach this range.
The information released on social media also states that the laser weapon can blind optics onboard UAVs and helicopters beyond the effective damage range, which is a plausible claim as this is the case for laser weapons. Optical kill is a way of defeating UAVs functionally, as most kamikaze UAVs rely on their optics for target acquisition.
Laser Weapons in C-UAS
Laser weapons are regarded as prime candidates for countering UAVs due to their extremely low firing costs, instant reach to the target, and accuracy. However, challenges remain in making them lethal enough for widespread fielding.
One of such challenges is the power which is only enough for shooting down UAVs at a range of more than a kilometre at best. Increasing the power output is not enough on its own as more powerful generators and cooling systems are needed to sustain the power to cover more than what is at hand right now.
It is predicted that laser weapons will evolve towards a general short-range air defence role with higher power outputs, capable of countering incoming missiles if not aircraft.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
