S. Korea Plans to Develop Laser Weapon to Down Drones

South Korea has announced plans to produce a cutting-edge laser weapon designed to neutralize small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), this advanced laser system will be capable of defending against drones by targeting them with fiber optic-generated laser beams at short distances.

The new weapon, which can operate continuously as long as electricity is available, boasts a remarkably low operational cost.

Each shot costs about 2,000 won (about $1.45 USD). Notably, the laser is invisible to the naked eye and operates silently, adding to its tactical advantages.

DAPA emphasized that this laser system could be a game-changer in future warfare, especially if its production is scaled up to counter threats from ballistic missiles and aircraft.

The deployment of this laser weapon would position South Korea as the first known country to operationalize such technology, provided it is launched as planned later this year.

Last month, DAPA signed a significant deal worth nearly 100 billion won ($72 million USD) with South Korean defense contractor Hanwha Aerospace to manufacture the weapon system. Specific details of the contract were not disclosed.

South Korea initiated the development of this laser weapon in 2019, investing 87.1 billion won ($63 million USD) into the project.