The Chinese military has made significant advancements in recent weeks. In November, China unveiled its new “Killer Whale” stealth drone ship. Additionally, in early December, the country showcased developments in its H-6 strategic nuclear bomber, which is capable of carrying out devastating attacks.
Drones armed with high-power laser beams. Moreover, researchers from China’s National University of Defense Technology have successfully developed a system that enables small drones to fire high-power laser beams. The findings were published in the journal Acta Armamentarii in October.
This technology was previously deemed impossible in the realm of warfare. The breakthrough allows drones to emit laser beams with enough intensity to cut through metal, blind soldiers, and disable electronic equipment. Using a lightweight, compact device, the drones can redirect laser beams generated from the ground, enhancing their power to 30 kW or more. This ability allows the beams to bend in the air to navigate obstacles and target vulnerable points.
Military capabilities. The system is reportedly based on a redirection device that consists of telescopic tubes connected by high-precision reflective mirrors. This assembly synchronizes the laser emitted from the ground with the drone.
This design eliminates the need for drones to carry heavy equipment to generate power. As such, it addresses a technical challenge that previously limited the miniaturization of laser weapons. The device also incorporates advanced vibration isolation technology and high-precision optical systems, which are essential for maintaining laser stability and accuracy during flight.
The structure of the new Chinese laser weapon.
Strategic impact and field coordination. The design enables multiple drones to work collaboratively. This allows them to detect targets and request laser illumination from the ground, which facilitates quicker and more efficient attacks.
This ability to coordinate intelligent platforms has been enhanced by Chinese advancements in time synchronization technologies and long-distance lasers, such as the quantum satellite launched in 2016. This improvement not only enhances accuracy but also opens the door to future weapon systems capable of combining energy from different platforms to generate even more powerful beams.
Challenges and solutions. Researchers identified vibration from the drone’s flight as one of the biggest obstacles because it could scatter the laser and reduce its effectiveness. To address this, the team developed vibration isolation technologies and high-quality optical reference systems to ensure a stable connection between the drone and the ground emitter. These advancements, along with the ability to synchronize mobile platforms, mark a significant milestone in integrating compact laser weapons into military strategies.
Future implications. If the research proves effective in the field, this technology could transform modern battlefields. For instance, it could enable the deployment of swarms of drones armed with lasers for fast, accurate, and devastating attacks.
This enhanced capability to overcome obstacles, coordinate with ground-based emitters, and strike critical targets almost instantaneously represents a game changer in combat tactics. Additionally, the use of lasers minimizes ammunition costs and increases operational sustainability, a crucial factor in prolonged conflicts. China’s recent breakthrough, which seems like something out of science fiction, has the potential to shift the balance of military power globally.
Image | Andrew "FastLizard4" Adams
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