Ukrainian forces have begun testing a powerful new laser weapon known as Trident, Reuters reports.
Developed for Ukraine's newly established Unmanned Systems Forces, Trident is said to rival the British DragonFire and the American AN/SEQ-3 LaWS laser systems.
According to Vadim Sukharevsky, commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Ukraine is now among the five countries in the world possessing this cutting-edge technology.
Weapon Capabilities
The Trident laser can target and destroy aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 2 kilometers and moving at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Its operational range and estimated laser power of at least 50 kW align it with other state-of-the-art systems used globally.
Defense Express highlights the laser’s effectiveness against drones and other aerial threats, an increasingly crucial capability as drone warfare evolves on the modern battlefield.
“Trident is still a prototype,” Sukharevsky explained, “but its demonstrated parameters are already impressive. It has the potential to become a game-changer in the fight against unmanned aerial systems and other airborne targets.”
Scaling for the Future
While specific production details remain undisclosed, Ukrainian defense officials are optimistic about the system's future. The prototype is reportedly "well on its way to being scaled and amplified," with efforts underway to enhance its power and range.
This progress is particularly noteworthy considering Ukraine’s limited development timeframe compared to nations like the United States and the United Kingdom.
The testing of the Trident laser weapon underscores Ukraine's focus on innovation to counter evolving threats from Russia's ongoing aggression. If successful, the system could bolster Ukraine's air defense and provide a formidable response to the increasing use of drones and low-flying aircraft in the conflict.
