China Unveils Laser That Can Destroy Drones In 4 Seconds

China Unveils 55-Pound Laser That Burns Drones in 4 Seconds, Revolutionizing Counter-Drone Warfare

NUBURU Gets C-UAS Directed-Energy Order from Asia-Pacific

In a groundbreaking display of technological prowess, China has unveiled two man-portable laser systems designed to shoot down drones with unprecedented efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The Lijian II and Lijian III, developed by state-linked contractor Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology, have sparked widespread interest among military analysts and experts, who see these systems as a game-changer in the ongoing battle against drone threats.

Weighing 25 kg (55 lbs) and 30 kg (66 lbs), respectively, the Lijian III and Lijian II are compact, backpack-sized systems that can be carried by a single soldier or two operators. Equipped with AI-assisted targeting and a roughly 2-kilowatt laser emitter, these systems can neutralize drones at distances of up to 500 meters in under four seconds.

The Lijian III, the lighter sibling, is designed for solo operation, while the Lijian II is built for one or two operators. Both systems are designed to be portable and user-friendly, with a split configuration that includes a laser emitter, an air cooler, and a handheld control terminal, all packed into a single bag.

The economics of counter-drone defense have long been a challenge for military forces. For years, the cost of defending against drones has outpaced the cost of deploying them, making it a costly proposition for nations to invest in effective countermeasures. However, with the advent of portable laser systems like the Lijian III and Lijian II, this equation is about to change.

According to reports, pricing for these systems has been estimated at around 2 million yuan (approximately $280,000) per unit, although Harbin Xinguang did not confirm this figure. Regardless of the price tag, the implications are significant: once a system like the Lijian III is paid for, each subsequent shot costs roughly the same as the electricity needed to power it – a stark contrast to traditional missile-based systems, which can be prohibitively expensive.

The impact on counter-drone warfare will be profound. No longer will military forces have to weigh the cost of intercepting a single drone against the expense of deploying entire battalions of troops. Instead, dedicated drone-killer squads, units designed specifically to clear sectors of sky in minutes, will become increasingly common. Russia is already rumored to be interested in acquiring these systems, and other nations are likely to follow suit.

China’s lead in portable laser counter-drone technology has significant implications for the global balance of power. Western militaries have traditionally relied on radio-frequency jammers, kinetic interceptors, and larger vehicle-mounted directed energy systems to defend against drones. While some man-portable options are in development, a fielded, exhibition-ready AI-guided laser carried by a single soldier remains an elusive goal.

Beijing’s willingness to showcase these systems publicly is also noteworthy. Defense expos like the one where Harbin Xinguang unveiled their products serve as platforms for state firms to signal both capability and intent. The simultaneous display of two portable lasers on the floor, in different weights for various mission profiles, sends a clear message: this is a product line, not a one-off prototype.

But beyond the technical specifications and pricing, there are broader implications at play. For years, drones have been hailed as the “cheap weapon” of the past decade, while counter-drone systems were seen as expensive and cumbersome. However, with the Lijian III and Lijian II on the market, that equation is about to change.

The cost-exchange problem has long plagued drone warfare. For years, military forces have been scrambling for a defense that does not bankrupt their budgets. The advent of portable laser systems like these is a game-changer, rewriting the economics of every battlefield where small drones operate – and essentially all of them.

The open question now is whether these systems will perform effectively in the field as they do on exhibition floors. Lasers have a long history of impressive expo demos and disappointing combat performance, with rain, dust, smoke, and atmospheric scatter degrading effective range rapidly. Time will tell if the Lijian models hold up in real-world operations or remain relegated to product brochures.

In conclusion, China’s unveiling of the 55-pound laser that burns drones in four seconds marks a significant turning point in the battle against drone threats. As other nations scramble to follow suit, one thing is clear: the economics of counter-drone defense are about to change forever.

Original Source

• [Read the full article here](https://aiwirenews.com/posts/china-unveils-laser-that-can-destroy-drones-in-4-seconds-effcfc/)

Related Articles

• NUBURU Gets C-UAS Directed-Energy Order from Asia-Pacific