Ukraine says it's developed a laser weapon that can shoot down aircraft flying as high as 6,000 feet. Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of Unmanned Systems Forces told Interfax the weapon, called Tryzub, is still under development but has been successfully tested. "It really works, it really exists," he said. Sukharevskyi said Ukraine is the fifth country in the world to develop this kind of technology.
Likely based on the British Dragon Fire system, a 50-kw “still under development” unit that has demonstrated some success in testing. The Brits reportedly transferred some “early sample” hardware to Ukraine earlier this year. Doubtless enlisting both the Ukrainian development team and the opportunity for unlimited real-world testing was looked at as a win-win for both sides…
Modern warfare might come loaded with AI smarts and big firepower, but when the smoke clears, it’s the grunts who think on their feet, carry the load, hold the line, and decide how it all ends. In Ukraine, there’s high-tech and low-tech in the mix—drones with explosive improvisation and grit to match. Go Ukraine!
Remember, Israel has laser defense technology - ‘Iron Beam’.
They might license it but in near-term their production is needed at home. (Israel’s system is in final development, has been field tested I read. Lockheed-Martin has become associated with the program.)