Ukraine has successfully tested a new laser weapon system capable of destroying Russian drones and cruise missiles, marking a significant breakthrough in air defence technology. A video released by Brave1, a Ukrainian defence innovation platform, demonstrates the system’s effectiveness against various targets. Unlike the Trident laser project, which is also under development, this new system is an independent innovation designed to enhance Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian Shahed drones and other airborne threats.
The laser system was tested on different materials to simulate battlefield conditions. It burned a hole through a 1.5mm thick steel sheet in just four seconds from a distance of 110 metres. It then penetrated the body of a Russian Shahed drone in ten seconds, leaving a 2cm hole. The weapon also destroyed the body of a land-based robotic system, cutting through 2mm thick metal in six seconds, leaving a 15mm wide hole. Further tests showed the system could effectively neutralise drone batteries and other robotic components. In its final demonstration, the laser destroyed an imitation FPV drone from 200 metres away in just four seconds.
| Test Target | Material Thickness | Time to Destroy | Hole Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Sheet | 1.5mm | 4 sec | 7mm |
| Russian Shahed Drone Part | Composite Material | 10 sec | 2cm |
| Land-based Robotic System Body | 2mm | 6 sec | 15mm |
| FPV Drone Battery and Robotic Components | – | Few sec | – |
| FPV Drone Imitation (200m distance) | – | 4 sec | – |
Brave1 has kept the exact specifications and development details of the laser system classified. However, a developer working on the project, speaking anonymously, highlighted its economic advantage. Unlike traditional anti-air missiles, which can cost millions of dollars per launch, using a laser to shoot down a Shahed drone costs only a few dollars. This cost-effective approach could shift the economic balance in the war. Unlike missile-based air defence systems, lasers require no ammunition, relying instead on directed energy to neutralise threats.
Beyond drone interception, the laser is also being tested for battlefield applications, including remote mine neutralisation, which could accelerate demining efforts in occupied territories. The technology remains complex, but if successfully scaled, it could significantly enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and position the country as a leader in arms innovation in Europe.
Ukraine is facing an increasing number of Russian drone attacks, with over 5,000 Shahed drones launched by Russia in late 2024 alone. Military analysts believe Ukraine is rapidly integrating laser weapons into its defence strategy to reduce reliance on costly foreign munitions and establish itself as a key player in modern warfare technology. The system, developed under Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, is expected to be deployed soon to mobile fire units that currently rely on machine guns and thermal imaging for drone interception.
Ukraine’s investment in laser weaponry aligns with a broader trend of modernising its military. While the Brave1 laser project remains highly secretive, it represents a significant step forward in next-generation warfare. Reports suggest that another Ukrainian laser system, the Trident, may share similarities with the British DragonFire, which has a power output of 50kW.
