The Russian army has received a new weapon that will turn any Ukrainian drone into useless debris. It is a rifle-like system armed with a high-intensity laser, which is capable of neutralizing explosive objects from a safe distance. It also costs less. While the research and development into this laser technology, which Russian military doctrine has long characterized as “new physical principles” in military equipment, the cost of a continuous 10-second shot is approximately 205 rubles (a little more than $2). One such laser system can destroy approximately 60 drones in a month.
Even with kinetic technology like rifles or machine guns, low-flying drones have been brought down effectively. While the new laser rifles will not replace anti-aircraft missiles, they will definitely enhance the ability for ground-based forces to deal effectively with the drone threat when they see them coming.
