Ukraine claims to have developed a cutting-edge laser weapon designed to intercept and destroy enemy drones.
Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, first publicly revealed the weapon’s existence in mid-December at a defense industry conference in Kyiv, where he disclosed some of its key parameters, according to the Ukrainian Interfax news agency. In February, he confirmed to Radio Free Europe that the system was operationally deployed.
Sukharevskyi stated that the device, known as “Tryzub” can engage targets at altitudes exceeding 1.2 miles (2 km), with efforts underway to extend its range. The weapon is reportedly being used against Iranian-made Shahed drones deployed by Russian forces.
Despite its reported deployment, details about Tryzub remain classified. No images have been released, and the Ukrainian military has not disclosed the number of units in operation or their locations. Ukraine’s defense technology agency, Brave1, declined to comment on the system.
It remains unclear whether the laser was developed entirely in Ukraine or with foreign assistance. Some analysts have speculated a possible link to the British DragonFire program, but companies involved in that project have denied any connection.
