Combat use of laser systems
Self-propelled laser system "Rat" (Model 2020). Photo by "Roselectronics"
Currently, various countries are developing combat laser systems designed for use in air defense systems. A number of such systems have already passed testing, and some have even reached combat use. They engage real airborne targets and demonstrate their true technical characteristics and combat capabilities.
Russian development
Russian companies and organizations began developing a new generation of combat lasers for various purposes in the 2010s. A few years later, the first prototypes were produced, passing tests and confirming the calculated characteristics. Subsequently, new developments with various features and capabilities emerged. Particular attention was paid to the creation of systems for Defense.
In 2022, combat lasers moved beyond the testing ranges. Equipment of this class began to be sent to the Special Operations zone for testing in real combat conditions. The lasers demonstrated their capabilities against small and medium-sized aerial targets, such as enemy UAVs.
According to available data, the Zadira-16 system was the first to undergo combat zone testing. Such a product or products were sent to the front as early as the spring of 2022. Successful interception and destruction were reported. drones different types. According to various sources, similar lasers were used later with similar results.
Subsequently, new reports emerged repeatedly about military trials of various models. These involved various products. Some, such as the "Rat" (Rat'), had already appeared at exhibitions. Others were newly developed, and their designations were not disclosed. Nevertheless, all systems demonstrated high performance and met their combat missions.
The combat module of the Chinese L-ASS system, used in Russian air defense systems. Photo: Telegram / "Military Informant"
According to various sources, various domestically developed combat lasers are still present at various points along the front lines, reinforcing air defenses. They are used to counter small and medium-sized drones within a radius of several kilometers. Laser weapon works in the same circuits with missile, artillery and electronic systems, and they all complement each other.
It's worth noting that air defense lasers aren't the only ones being tested in practice. For example, last year, the industry unveiled the Ignis laser system. It's designed for mounting on robotic platforms and is designed to destroy mines and other explosive devices.
Unfortunately, detailed information about modern Russian combat lasers is lacking. Often, only their existence is known, while their appearance, characteristics, and capabilities remain unknown. According to available information, the "Zadira," "Rat," and other lasers are built on self-propelled chassis and equipped with infrared solid-state lasers with a power of kilowatts or tens of kilowatts. These lasers are capable of destroying plastic UAV components from kilometers away or jamming optics at greater ranges.
Chinese technology
China has also been exploring this promising area for some time and has developed a number of combat laser systems in recent years. As in other countries, such weapons are primarily viewed as a means of enhancing air defense. Lasers are intended to complement traditional systems and enhance overall defense effectiveness.
In recent years, Chinese industry has unveiled several different lasers of its own design. These included mobile land-based systems and combat modules for ships with emitters of varying power. Some of these systems have reportedly already been installed on carrier ships and are even being used for combat patrols.
A complex operator at work. Photo: Telegram / "Military Informant"
In late May 2025, a curious video of combat operations by one of the Russian Army's mobile air defense groups was leaked. It showed the combat use of a self-propelled laser system of an unnamed model. The footage captured the operator at work, the control panel, and the laser-equipped combat module. A Ukrainian UAV was also shown with traces of laser beam impact.
The distinctive appearance of the components of this system allowed us to identify its model. It was a Chinese-made LASS (Low-Altitude Laser Defending System). How it came into Russian service is unknown. However, China was given the opportunity to deploy its equipment in a real combat zone and fully evaluate it.
The LASS system is equipped with a combat module with a 10-20 kW laser. The effective range of the weapon, which destroys a target, reaches 3-5 km, depending on its type and characteristics. The module is mounted on a vehicle chassis or an armored vehicle, allowing for rapid repositioning.
It's noteworthy that Chinese industry continues to develop new laser systems. For example, in early September, a combat module with an LY-1 laser, designed for ship mounting, was unveiled for the first time at a parade. The current stage of this project is unknown, but it is expected to be nearing operational acceptance.
Israeli "Luch"
Israel has been developing its own laser weapons for several decades. Significant progress has been made in this area in recent years, and the first successful combat use took place a few months ago.
China's promising LY-1 naval laser. CCTV photo.
To enhance existing air and missile defense systems, the Or Eitan (Iron Ray) combat laser was developed. This stationary, container-type system includes the lasers themselves and the necessary control systems. The solid-state laser of this system has a power of up to 100 kW and an effective engagement range of up to 8-10 km against typical targets.
The laser system is integrated into existing air defense and missile defense control systems and must operate in conjunction with other anti-aircraft systems. Command posts must analyze information about detected air targets and distribute them between missile and laser systems.
The Or Eitan system's first combat use took place at the end of May 2025. The lasers targeted various types of UAVs. They were claimed to have demonstrated maximum effectiveness, effectively eliminating virtually all aerial targets.
Real success
Thus, the protracted process of developing and fine-tuning advanced laser air defense systems is being completed and producing the desired results. Systems of this class are being fielded by various armies and deployed to combat zones, demonstrating their true capabilities.
The Israeli Or Eitan laser in combat mode. Photo by Rafael
A variety of lasers, differing in design, emitter type, power, and so on, have regularly demonstrated their ability to combat small and medium-sized UAVs. Depending on the distance and other factors, damage to the structure or suppression of the optics occurred. However, until recently, this only occurred at test sites.
Now, Russian industry and the military have the opportunity to test new equipment in a full-fledged combat zone. Meanwhile, during the current Special Operation, the enemy has a wide range of airborne attack weapons and other devices that our air defenses must counter. For some of these aerial targets, lasers are the most effective interceptor.
If the theory about the presence of Chinese LASS systems in the Russian army is true, the current situation becomes even more intriguing. It appears that friendly countries could also test their equipment in the Special Operations zone. It's worth noting that they could also test their lasers against advanced foreign systems.
Overall, significant progress has been made in combat lasers in recent years. The number of such developments is growing, as is the number of their deployments. Some models are being used in actual combat and demonstrating their effectiveness. All this allows for positive forecasts for the further development of the entire laser field and its growing role in both air defense and other areas.
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