Ukraine’s New Laser Weapon Hits Aircraft at 6,5 Feet Altitude

Written by Kathrine Frich

Dec.16 - 2024 9:55 PM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
The name "Trizub" reflects a national symbol of Ukraine.

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Ukraine’s defense innovations have been under global scrutiny since the start of its conflict with Russia.

The war has pushed the country to adopt and develop advanced technologies to combat aerial threats, including drones and aircraft.

On Monday, Ukraine made a bold claim that underscores its growing technological capabilities, according to Digi24.

Vadim Suharevski, commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, revealed the existence of a new laser weapon named "Trizub," which translates to "Trident" in Ukrainian.

No Specifics on Design

He stated that the weapon is capable of taking down aircraft flying at altitudes exceeding two kilometers.

However, Suharevski did not share specifics about the weapon’s design, its operational efficiency, or how many such systems are currently available.

“With this laser, we can already shoot down aircraft at altitudes exceeding two kilometers,” Suharevski announced.

He added that the name "Trizub" reflects a national symbol of Ukraine, hinting that the weapon might be a product of Ukraine’s domestic defense industry.

Speculation remains about whether this technology is entirely homegrown or developed in partnership with foreign allies.

In April, former UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps mentioned that a British experimental laser system called "DragonFire" could potentially be used in Ukraine to counter Russian drones.

While it is unclear if Trizub and DragonFire are connected, the announcement shows the rapid advancement in laser technology on the battlefield.

Laser weapons, though still considered experimental in many countries, are increasingly being explored for their cost-effectiveness and precision.

Unlike traditional air defense systems, lasers can disable smaller, agile targets, such as drones, with minimal collateral damage.

This makes them particularly attractive in a conflict environment like Ukraine, where both sides rely heavily on unmanned systems.

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