IPG Photonics has delivered multiple units of its new Crossbow laser weapon system to Lockheed Martin. Crossbow is designed to disable small unmanned aerial systems in the “group one” and “group two” categories, the smallest classes of UAS, using IPG’s commercial single-mode fiber lasers.
The system is described as scalable and cost-effective, and is aimed at protecting both military and civilian assets from aerial threats.
The Massachusetts-based laser manufacturer has been field-testing Crossbow for the past six months and plans to showcase it at the DSEI UK 2025 defense trade show in London next month. According to IPG, the system integrates into a broader laser weapons strategy but focuses specifically on the challenges posed by smaller drones.
“These small drones that you can buy for hundreds of dollars can inflict major damage,” said IPG CEO Mark Gitin. “It’s a big issue on the battlefield today. And it’s also an issue in civilian infrastructure, for example at borders, and we’re starting to see more of that.”
While Crossbow does not offer the high-power capability needed to defeat larger UAS, artillery or missiles, Gitin said it addresses a critical and growing threat. He added that IPG’s manufacturing capacity allows the system to be offered at a “very disruptive” price point, which the company expects will generate interest from both defense and commercial operators.
“We anticipate strong interest from both defense and commercial customers for protection of critical military and civilian assets,” Gitin said.
IPG describes the new system as part of its expansion into “advanced applications” beyond industrial lasers, an area where it achieved its first counter-UAS milestone six months ahead of schedule.
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