Beijing: China introduced the latest laser and high-power microwave weapons used for air defence in a military parade held to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II.
According to Chinese media, the weapons presented in the parade included anti-drone missiles and artillery systems, as well as high-energy laser weapons and high-power microwave weapons. Together, these three form a powerful ‘iron triangle’ that can destroy drones with either a ‘soft kill’ or a ‘hard kill’.
The high-energy laser weapons stood out in the parade due to their cutting-edge technology. According to experts, they can target drones in a matter of seconds because they can quickly identify, target and track the target.
The characteristics of these weapons include accuracy, unlimited ammunition and low cost, due to which they are being described as a low-cost anti-drone system. Like high-energy laser weapons, high-power microwave weapons are also ‘directed energy weapons’ that emit powerful electromagnetic rays and burn the electronic components inside the drone, which makes them completely inactive.
The special thing about these weapons is that their beam, unlike lasers, has a wider range, through which they can simultaneously target drones attacking in swarms.
Another highlight of the parade was the first glimpse of the ‘LY-1 shipborne laser weapon’, which is designed to be installed on warships. Experts say that more units can be installed on ships to provide power to this weapon, which increases its power; thus, the system can target not only unmanned weapons but also anti-ship missiles at a low cost.
These laser weapons can also damage the optical sensors of enemy weapons and equipment, which is why they have the potential to change the rules of naval warfare.
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