A new development in military technology emerged this week when Russia showcased a laser rifle designed to counter small drones, specifically first-person view [FPV] models, at a defense conference near St. Petersburg.
The weapon, which operates at a range of 500 meters, uses focused ytterbium laser emission to disable drones by targeting their bodies, propellers, engines, or batteries.
Presented at the Pan-Russian Conference on the Protection of Civilian Facilities Against Unmanned Aerial Systems, the unveiling has drawn attention from defense analysts and sparked discussions about the future of anti-drone warfare.
The event, attended by military officials and industry experts, highlighted Russia’s ongoing efforts to adapt to drones’ evolving role in modern conflicts. While details about the rifle’s deployment remain limited, its introduction signals a potential shift in how nations address the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems.
According to statements from the conference reported by TASS, the state-run Russian news agency, the weapon uses a concentrated beam of energy to inflict physical damage on its targets, rendering them inoperable within seconds. The technology relies on ytterbium, a rare-earth element known for its use in high-powered lasers, to generate the necessary intensity.
Russian officials have not disclosed whether the rifle is a prototype or ready for immediate use, but its public display suggests confidence in its capabilities. The conference setting, focused on protecting civilian infrastructure from drone threats, underscores the weapon’s intended purpose.
Defense experts note that the 500-meter range, while modest compared to some anti-aircraft systems, could make the rifle a practical tool for ground troops facing close-range aerial threats.
The Russian laser rifle offers a directed-energy alternative that doesn’t depend on projectiles. If successful, it could provide a reusable, precise option for troops, though its effectiveness in diverse conditions—such as adverse weather or against multiple drones—remains untested in public view.
Comments from attendees at the St. Petersburg conference shed light on the rifle’s potential. A military engineer, quoted by TASS, described the weapon as a “game-changer” for infantry units facing drone harassment. “The speed at which it neutralizes a target is remarkable,” the engineer said, emphasizing the seconds-long engagement time.
However, no independent verification of these claims has surfaced, and Western analysts caution that promotional displays often exaggerate capabilities.
A U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, noted that while the technology is feasible, its real-world performance would depend on factors like power supply, cooling systems, and durability under combat stress. Portable lasers require significant energy, and scaling that down to a rifle-sized package poses engineering challenges.
Source: BulgarianMilitary.com