South Korea to start production of laser gun system
South Korea is set to begin production of a state-of-the-art laser weapon system designed to neutralize enemy drones.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the commencement of production on Thursday, following a recent contract with Hanwha Aerospace valued at approximately 100 billion won ($72.5 million).
The laser weapon, intended for deployment later this year, will enable South Korea to become the first country to operationalize such technology within its military. This system targets and disables small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and multicopters by emitting a laser beam generated through fiber optics.
The laser system can fire continuously as long as it is supplied with electricity. Each firing, which lasts between 10 to 20 seconds, raises the temperature of the targeted area to over 700 degrees Celsius, effectively incapacitating critical components like engines and batteries. DAPA spokesperson Jo Yong-jin highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the system, stating, “Cost per fire is extremely cheap compared with other guided weapons. Responses to low-cost strike assets and weapons, such as small drones, will be able to take place very effectively and efficiently.”
Jo refrained from disclosing specific details about the weapon’s range and power, citing operational security concerns. However, he noted that the laser is invisible to the naked eye and operates silently, adding to its tactical advantages.
South Korea initiated the development of this laser weapon system in 2019, investing a total of 87.1 billion won in the project. By April of last year, the system had been deemed combat-ready after a series of successful live-fire tests. With the production phase now underway, the system is expected to be deployed by the end of this year.
The deployment of this laser weapon comes in the wake of increased drone threats, particularly following the incursion of five North Korean drones across the inter-Korean border in December 2022. The ability to counter such threats is seen as a critical component of South Korea’s national defense strategy.
