Ukrainians develop new laser air defense system

Ukrainian engineers have developed and successfully tested a new laser-based air defense system called Sunray that is designed to counter enemy drones, The Atlantic reports.

According to the U.S.-based magazine, the system has already demonstrated its ability to effectively destroy targets and is significantly less expensive than comparable Western systems.

Journalist Simon Shuster, who attended the weapons test, described the unit as a compact structure resembling a telescope fitted with cameras and capable of being mounted on the roof of a standard pickup truck.

During the demonstration, the laser set a drone on fire within seconds, causing it to crash. The system operates silently and emits no visible light.

Developers say the creation of Sunray took about two years and cost several million dollars. A single unit is expected to cost several hundred thousand dollars.

Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Pavlo Yelizarov emphasized that Ukraine must pursue cost-effective solutions to counter large-scale attacks by inexpensive Russian drones.

“Many American companies are driven by money. For them, it’s a job. They do it. They get paid. We have another component at play: the need to survive. That’s why we are moving faster,” Yelizarov said.

The new system could become an important component in strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, particularly amid constant drone attacks and the need to conserve costly missile stockpiles.