Punishing ray: the fleet is actively preparing for the introduction of laser air defense systems

The leading maritime powers have entered a crucial phase of testing laser air defense systems. In Japan, a 100-kilowatt cannon capable of burning drones at the speed of light has already been installed on the experimental vessel JS Asuka; China is experimenting with deploying the LY-1 land-based laser system on ships; the UK plans to arm its destroyers with DragonFire lasers as early as 2026. There are at least two developments in Russia that can operate both onshore and offshore. One of them, the "Staff" system, has already been tested at landfills and is undergoing combat testing in its combat zone. For what reason exactly ships can become an ideal platform for beam weapons and why their function will primarily be to protect against mass drone attacks — in the Izvestia article.

What is a laser air defense system?

A 100 kW laser air defense system is being installed on the experimental Japanese Navy ship JS Asuka. Testing is scheduled to begin in February 2026. ATLA has developed this system specifically for use on ships. The project started in 2018, and a demo was created by February 2023. And now it is ready for use.

Why are the Japanese planning to install the system on ships? Neither a tank nor a special ground combat vehicle can yet provide the amount of energy required by powerful lasers for continuous combat operation. And modern ships have the necessary power plant for this, which can provide power to the laser system, and a place where multi-ton mechanical control and guidance systems for a combat laser can be placed.

Experimental ship of the Japanese Navy JS Asuka

Photo: JMSDF

What are the advantages of such air defense systems? Firstly, the laser affects the target at the speed of light - it is enough to hold it in the sights to strike. Secondly, with the appropriate energy reserve, the laser can hit a large number of targets one after another at the highest speed. Thirdly, the cost of a laser "shot" is significantly lower than that of an anti—aircraft missile - not even by several times, but by orders of magnitude.

There are disadvantages to such a system. The laser can reliably shoot down light, small aircraft, meaning its use is effective against drones. But it is more difficult for him to hit heavy and heat—protected objects, such as large-caliber projectiles or ballistic missile warheads. To destroy a target, the laser must affect it for some time — up to several seconds. Modern guidance systems can ensure that the target is kept in focus by the laser "cannon", but, nevertheless, objects with high speed have a better chance of surviving.

Chinese self-propelled laser installation LY-1

Photo: Global Look Press/Ethan Hunter

Another disadvantage is the relatively short range: the energy of the laser beam is dissipated in the atmosphere, and long—range destruction requires megawatt power.

Thus, taking into account all the factors described, fleets are hoping for laser systems first and foremost, and primarily to combat small-sized targets.

Long-range impact: a new system has been developed to protect regions from UAVs

It integrates the means of detecting, tracking and countering drones.

Which countries are developing laser systems?

Japan is not the only country developing such systems. The United States has been using lasers in the navy for more than a decade. The first American LaWS laser weapon system with a capacity of 30 kW was deployed aboard the USS Ponce destroyer in the Persian Gulf in 2014. Now the Americans have gone further and are working with more powerful installations for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

The LaWS climbing installation installed on board the American destroyer

Photo: Global Look Press/John F. Williams

The UK has decided to install earth-tested high-energy DragonFire lasers on its Type 45 destroyers by 2027. The main task is to protect ships from drones and missiles. Moreover, it is about protection at the last frontier — at a distance of no more than 1.5–2 km from the ship. If the system is successfully deployed on schedule, the UK will become the first European country to begin using laser weapons on its ships.

Testing of the British DragonFire laser installation

Photo: Global Look Press/British Defense Ministry

China is also experimenting with the deployment of combat lasers on ships. The LY-1 land-based self-propelled laser system was shown at a large-scale military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025. And on November 30, photos appeared on Chinese social networks showing this system installed on the deck of a Ro-Ro cargo ship. This shows China's interest in transferring lasers to the naval theater of operations.

What laser systems are being developed in Russia

Russia is traditionally one of the world leaders in the development of laser technologies. We have been armed with the Strategic Missile Forces for several years now with the Peresvet combat systems. In recent months, the use of experienced combat laser systems specifically to destroy enemy drones has been noted in the zone of a special military operation.

As part of the Staff project, the Russian company LaserBazz has created a prototype of a combat laser system that confidently hits drones at a range of 500 m. The tests were conducted in July 2025 at one of the landfills in the north-west of Russia. Right now, the "Staff" air defense system should be running in the zone of its own. And following the first version, work is underway on a more powerful system with a range of up to 1.5 km. It is likely that this improved complex will eventually be adopted.

Peresvet combat laser system

Photo: RIA Novosti/Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

In October of this year, a mobile laser, which can also be used on ships, was presented at the Interpoltech-2025 exhibition by the Russian optical holding company Shvabe of Rostec Corporation. The complex is capable of destroying drone-type targets with a high rate of fire, switching from one affected target to another.

Of course, not all details and not all developments are publicly available, but work is definitely underway, and then it's a small matter — after passing tests on land, laser complexes will be installed on Russian Navy ships and will provide highly effective protection against drones at the last line of defense.