Ukraine is testing a compact laser-based air defense system designed to counter drones at significantly lower cost than traditional missile interceptors, as pressure grows on its air defense network.
The system, known as Sunray, has been developed over the past two years by Ukrainian engineers in response to sustained attacks by large numbers of low-cost drones. According to reporting by The Atlantic, the system can engage small aerial targets by directing a concentrated laser beam that burns through a drone’s structure or disables its electronics within seconds.
Reports describe the system as relatively simple in design. The weapon reportedly resembles a small telescope fitted with cameras and can be mounted on the roof of a pickup truck. The system uses cameras to automatically track targets, while an operator initiates the laser engagement.
During a demonstration observed by a journalist, a drone was reportedly set on fire within seconds, operating almost silently without producing a visible beam.
The seeks to overcome the growing economic challenge of drone warfare. Ukraine has faced repeated attacks using relatively inexpensive drones, making the use of high-cost surface-to-air missiles increasingly inefficient. Officials have emphasized the need for more scalable and cost-effective solutions that can be deployed in larger numbers.
Sunray is intended to address that gap. While the prototype reportedly cost several million dollars to develop, the expected unit cost is in the hundreds of thousands, significantly lower than most modern missile systems. The system is designed primarily for short-range threats such as kamikaze drones and reconnaissance UAVs.
However, the technology remains in development. Challenges include integrating the system into existing command-and-control networks and ensuring reliable performance in operational conditions.
Ukraine is not alone in pursuing laser-based air defense. The United States Navy has fielded the HELIOS system, developed by Lockheed Martin. Unlike Sunray, HELIOS is a more mature and highly integrated platform designed for naval use, with multiple roles including surveillance and counter-drone operations.
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