Ukraine has unveiled its domestically developed laser weapon system, named Tryzub, for the first time. The demonstration was led by Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, during the international conference “European Defence Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defence Industry.”
According to Sukharevskyi, the Tryzub system is capable of destroying a wide range of airborne threats. Specifically, it can eliminate attack drones, aerial bombs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 3,000 metres.
In addition, the system can engage helicopters, manned aircraft, and reconnaissance drones at distances of up to 5,000 metres. It also has the ability to blind or disrupt sensors on drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and planes at ranges of up to 10,000 metres.
During the demonstration, video footage showed the Tryzub in action against both aerial and ground targets. Notably, the system was used to blind the camera of a fibre-optic FPV drone, illustrating its capability for electronic disruption in addition to physical destruction.
Although the Tryzub is equipped with an optoelectronic tracking station, the current prototype relies on manual targeting. An operator controls the system via joystick, but future versions are expected to include automated tracking and engagement.
The system remains in the prototype phase but is already operational enough to undergo live testing. Ukrainian officials have confirmed that development has progressed rapidly, with the weapon first being mentioned by Sukharevskyi in December 2024.
At that time, he highlighted that the Tryzub could shoot down aircraft flying at altitudes beyond 2,000 metres. By early 2025, further testing revealed that the system was powerful enough to melt metal, reinforcing its potential as a formidable addition to Ukraine’s layered air defence.
Source: Defence Industry Europe