Russia is developing a "flying" laser
"Flying" laser can paralyze enemy reconnaissance. The aviation-laser complex was developed to operate on electronic devices in space, air and on earth. Research began in the late 80's. Then the scientists came to the conclusion that if you send the laser to the electronic intelligence devices of the enemy, then they fail. At altitude, the laser works several times more efficiently - they decided to place it on an IL-76 aircraft. For the first time, a flying laboratory took to the air in 1981, and in April, an 1984 aircraft attacked an air target. At the beginning of the 90-s development had to roll - there was no money. Now the financing goes according to plan. Igor Korochenko, editor-in-chief of the magazine National Defense, sees no point in this. In his opinion, in practice, the laser unit is unlikely to be applied.
"From a practical point of view, the implementation of such a program in the context of budgetary restrictions on defense will seem absolutely unnecessary and ruinous for the Russian budget. Even if Russia sets itself the task of creating an air-based laser, we must understand that we will have to deliver this laser by flight into US airspace. And there, when ballistic missiles are launched at us, we will have to carry out the necessary measures to ensure that the laser is delivered to the US airspace. missiles, try to destroy them at the launch stage. It is absolutely obvious that all our planes will be shot down," Korotchenko explains.
According to the expert, it must be admitted that the money spent on the creation of a laser installation will not be useful and will not enhance the country's defense. For such developments, conditions are needed that are not in Russia now, says Igor Korochenko.
"There are two factors for the development of such systems - the availability of appropriate engineering technological capabilities and financial resources. Today, only the United States can afford such expensive programs. With regard to the Russian Federation, theoretically, of course, we can assume that such a flying laser installation can be built, but if in practical terms, the use of combat, it will be meaningless, why divert funds from the really important and necessary programs? ", - said Korotchenko.
Many experts do not exclude that the development of such a facility is a matter of prestige for the Russian army. The Americans created an air-based laser that spurred domestic development. The director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Ruslan Pukhov, does not believe that the creation of a "flying" installation is a waste of money. According to him, even the Americans recognize the success of the Russian "lazerschikov", it would be foolish to refuse further research.
"It is desirable to perform the same function with several types of weapons in order for your system to be more stable. weapons the enemy has found some methods of counteraction, or for some reason or other it could not be applied, it is always better to have a substitute. Therefore, in my opinion, it is foolish to abandon those types of weapons and those technologies where even your potential adversary rates you extremely highly, "says Pukhov.
If we talk about priorities, it is better to spend money on improving Russian ballistic missiles, some military experts advise. If the missiles at the stage of launch and exit to the flight path will be able to withstand the direct impact of laser radiation, this can be considered an achievement of the Russian defense industry.
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