South Korea is set to begin mass production of a cutting-edge laser weapon designed to neutralize drones, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s defense capabilities. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has awarded Hanwha Aerospace a contract to produce the Laser Anti-Air Weapon Blk. 1, also known as the “Block-I” system or “StarWars” project, which aims to make South Korea the first country to deploy laser weaponry.
The Block-I system, developed in response to the growing threat posed by North Korean drones, can precisely strike small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and multicopters at close range. During testing, it successfully shot down small drones, demonstrating its effectiveness. The weapon utilizes a high-powered laser that directly irradiates and neutralizes targets by overheating them with sustained beams of light. This method eliminates the need for traditional projectiles, making each shot remarkably cost-effective at approximately $1.50.
Imagery from DAPA shows a weapon about the size of a shipping container, with a laser mounted on top and a radar or tracking device on the side. The laser beams are silent and invisible, making them difficult to detect before impact. The system measures 9 meters by 3 meters by 3 meters (29.5 feet by 9.8 feet by 9.8 feet) and operates solely on electricity, offering a stark contrast to more expensive conventional missile systems.
DAPA officials emphasized the strategic importance of the Block-I system, noting its potential to enhance South Korea’s military response to North Korean threats. “Our country is becoming the first in the world to deploy and operate laser weapons, and our military’s response capabilities on North Korea’s drone provocation will be further strengthened,” DAPA stated.
Looking ahead, DAPA plans to develop an even more powerful version of the laser weapon, known as Block-II, which will feature improved output and range. This future system is expected to target larger threats, including aircraft and ballistic missiles, potentially revolutionizing military defense strategies.
The deployment of the Block-I system is timely, as small drones have increasingly demonstrated their ability to disable or destroy high-value military assets worldwide. With its low operating cost and precision targeting, the Block-I laser weapon represents a significant advancement in modern military technology and a vital component of South Korea’s defense infrastructure.
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