Japan develops mobile laser weapons to counter drone attacks

Japan's Ministry of Defense is funding the development of high-powered mobile laser systems to combat armed drones.

The country's defense budget for 2021 includes $42 million for the development of counter-aircraft defenses.Together with private companies, the military plans to create compact installations that can be placed on fast vehicles and, if necessary, quickly deploy.

Japan fears that the technological advances of the USA, China, Great Britain, Israel and Turkey in thissphere may fall into the hands of terroristorganizations. Combined with the development of the market for cheap commercial armor, this could create a serious threat to infrastructure and industrial facilities.

Future laser systems will be able to track the movement of several attacking swarms at once, instantly switch between targets and quickly disable them.Testing of the first working prototypes is due to begin in 2023, and full-featured installations will be createdby 2025.

Laser weapons are developing rapidly and privateCompanies are increasingly taking part in its creation. For example, Boeing recently entered into a contract with the US Navy to develop a liquid laser system with a power output of 250 kW.

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