Latest news with #laserweapon
Daily Telegraph
05-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Aus company secures $125m order for high power laser weapon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Innovation. Followed categories will be added to My News. An Australian technology company has secured a 'groundbreaking' $125 million deal with a European country for a 'high energy laser weapon system' designed to shoot down over a dozen drones within a minute. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) signed a contract with a European NATO Member State – the name of which has not been disclosed – to deliver the 100-kilowatt anit-drone weapon between 2025-2028. 'The new laser counter-drone capability was developed by EOS to address the urgent market need and emerging strategic requirement to defend against drone swarm attacks at an economical cost,' EOS said in a statement on its website. 'This is the world's first export order for a 100-kilowatt class laser defence system.' The high energy laser weapons was designed to defend against drone swarm attacks. Picture: Supplied/Electro Optic Systems The company said the order, which is valued at €71.4 million (or about $A125 million), will be fulfilled in Singapore, where EOS has a laser innovation centre. 'EOS is already an established global leader in counter-drone capability using kinetic weapons and missiles to bring down drones. The high-power laser builds on these core competencies and substantially extends them.' The system – which is mobile and can work on a truck – operates 'at the speed of light' and can shoot down as many as twenty drones in a minute, Dr Andreas Schwer, Chief Executive Officer of Electro Optic Systems told 'The laser can hit a target almost instantly … unlike a bullet which takes a second to get there,' Dr Schwer said. The order is valued at $A125 million. Picture: Electro Optic Systems The laser can hit a target almost instantly. Picture: Electro Optic Systems He said the system works by amplifying lasers to high power levels. '(It) then combines multiple laser beams together,' he explained. 'It tracks targets very accurately – this is critical – and keeps the laser beam on the target … The light energy typically degrades the drone target in 1-2 seconds.' While missiles generally have a longer range, the high-power laser system 'can shoot down many more targets' at a cheaper cost within a two to five kilometre range. 'Missile systems cost $0.5m – $2.0m per shot fired,' Dr Schwer said. 'The laser system costs less than 10 cents per shot.' 'Lasers can shoot directly upwards, which ballistics (bullets and missiles) often cannot do,' he added. A Russian drone attacks a building during a Russian missile and drone air attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 17, 2025. Picture: AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky With drones becoming increasingly more common in modern warfare and swarms posing a 'real threat', Dr Schwer said militaries will need to employ a 'layered solution', including laser systems, rocket systems and longer-range missiles to protect their valuable assets. 'Drones are a big threat both in military and civil domains,' he said. 'Because drones get cheaper every year, everyone is using them and many valuable assets are very vulnerable.' He noted other countries are trying to develop laser weapon technology, 'but it is very complex'. 'This is the first very international supply contract of this size in the laser weapon industry – a groundbreaking deal for our industry and for EOS,' he said in a video on the company's website. Looking to the future, Dr Schwer said laser weapons will continue to play a role on the battlefield, becoming more powerful and portable over time. Going forward, the company is looking to expand its 50 to 100 kilowatt family and develop systems towards the 150 kilowatt class to meet future needs. 'We are also looking to develop naval variants of our models, giving the critical gap in the market for effective counter-drone solutions.' Russia tests laser defences It comes as Russia last month conducted large-scale tests of new laser systems to defend against drones – which both Ukraine and Russia have deployed during the nations' three year war. 'These technologies will form one of the key elements of the universal air defense system President Vladimir Putin recently called for,' the Board of the Military-Industrial Complex said in a statement. 'The test results will be used to refine existing models and create systems capable of providing reliable protection against modern air attack weapons.' Russian soldiers prepare a strike FPV drone aircraft to fly towards Ukrainian position in an undisclosed location. Picture: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP Meanwhile, Ukraine last year announced it had developed its own laser weapon which can target and down aircraft at altitudes exceeding two kilometres. Speaking at the 'European Defense Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defense Industry' conference in December, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi said the country's military proudly declared Tryzub (trident) 'laser is real and operational', adding that efforts were underway to scale up its capabilities against Russia. Colonel Sukharevskyi also introduced the concept of 'mother drones' or 'queen drones' — unmanned aerial systems capable of carrying two FPV (first-person view) light attack drones during his address. According to the Kyiv Independent, the announcement marked a significant leap in Ukraine's military innovation. Originally published as 'Speed of light': Australian company secures 'groundbreaking' $125m order for high power anti-drone weapon
News.com.au
05-08-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Speed of light': Australian company secures ‘groundbreaking' $125m order for high power anti-drone weapon
An Australian technology company has secured a 'groundbreaking' $125 million deal with a European country for a 'high energy laser weapon system' designed to shoot down over a dozen drones within a minute. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) signed a contract with a European NATO Member State – the name of which has not been disclosed – to deliver the 100-kilowatt anit-drone weapon between 2025-2028. 'The new laser counter-drone capability was developed by EOS to address the urgent market need and emerging strategic requirement to defend against drone swarm attacks at an economical cost,' EOS said in a statement on its website. 'This is the world's first export order for a 100-kilowatt class laser defence system.' The company said the order, which is valued at €71.4 million (or about $A125 million), will be fulfilled in Singapore, where EOS has a laser innovation centre. 'EOS is already an established global leader in counter-drone capability using kinetic weapons and missiles to bring down drones. The high-power laser builds on these core competencies and substantially extends them.' The system – which is mobile and can work on a truck – operates 'at the speed of light' and can shoot down as many as twenty drones in a minute, Dr Andreas Schwer, Chief Executive Officer of Electro Optic Systems told 'The laser can hit a target almost instantly … unlike a bullet which takes a second to get there,' Dr Schwer said. He said the system works by amplifying lasers to high power levels. '(It) then combines multiple laser beams together,' he explained. 'It tracks targets very accurately – this is critical – and keeps the laser beam on the target … The light energy typically degrades the drone target in 1-2 seconds.' While missiles generally have a longer range, the high-power laser system 'can shoot down many more targets' at a cheaper cost within a two to five kilometre range. 'Missile systems cost $0.5m – $2.0m per shot fired,' Dr Schwer said. 'The laser system costs less than 10 cents per shot.' 'Lasers can shoot directly upwards, which ballistics (bullets and missiles) often cannot do,' he added. With drones becoming increasingly more common in modern warfare and swarms posing a 'real threat', Dr Schwer said militaries will need to employ a 'layered solution', including laser systems, rocket systems and longer-range missiles to protect their valuable assets. 'Drones are a big threat both in military and civil domains,' he said. 'Because drones get cheaper every year, everyone is using them and many valuable assets are very vulnerable.' He noted other countries are trying to develop laser weapon technology, 'but it is very complex'. 'This is the first very international supply contract of this size in the laser weapon industry – a groundbreaking deal for our industry and for EOS,' he said in a video on the company's website. Looking to the future, Dr Schwer said laser weapons will continue to play a role on the battlefield, becoming more powerful and portable over time. Going forward, the company is looking to expand its 50 to 100 kilowatt family and develop systems towards the 150 kilowatt class to meet future needs. 'We are also looking to develop naval variants of our models, giving the critical gap in the market for effective counter-drone solutions.' Russia tests laser defences It comes as Russia last month conducted large-scale tests of new laser systems to defend against drones – which both Ukraine and Russia have deployed during the nations' three year war. 'These technologies will form one of the key elements of the universal air defense system President Vladimir Putin recently called for,' the Board of the Military-Industrial Complex said in a statement. 'The test results will be used to refine existing models and create systems capable of providing reliable protection against modern air attack weapons.' Meanwhile, Ukraine last year announced it had developed its own laser weapon which can target and down aircraft at altitudes exceeding two kilometres. Speaking at the 'European Defense Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defense Industry' conference in December, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi said the country's military proudly declared Tryzub (trident) 'laser is real and operational', adding that efforts were underway to scale up its capabilities against Russia. Colonel Sukharevskyi also introduced the concept of 'mother drones' or 'queen drones' — unmanned aerial systems capable of carrying two FPV (first-person view) light attack drones during his address. According to the Kyiv Independent, the announcement marked a significant leap in Ukraine's military innovation.
Sustainability Times
27-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'China Stuns the World Again': New 2.47kW Portable Laser Works in Arctic Cold and Blistering Saharan Heat
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Chinese scientists have developed a portable laser weapon that operates in extreme temperatures, ranging from -58°F to 122°F. have developed a portable laser weapon that operates in extreme temperatures, ranging from -58°F to 122°F. 🚀 The laser boasts a power of 2.47 kilowatts and can disable drones or cut through materials from over 0.62 miles away. and can disable drones or cut through materials from over 0.62 miles away. 🎯 This innovation is significant for both military and industrial applications , offering precise cutting and anti-drone capabilities. , offering precise cutting and anti-drone capabilities. 🌐 With China's control over ytterbium supplies, the country holds a strategic advantage in advancing laser technologies. In a groundbreaking development, Chinese scientists have unveiled a revolutionary laser technology that promises to change the landscape of both military and industrial applications. Designed by China's National University of Defence Technology, this portable laser weapon boasts a power of 2.47 kilowatts and can function under extreme temperature conditions ranging from -58°F to 122°F. This technological marvel is not just about power; it's about adaptability, offering unprecedented flexibility by eliminating the need for traditional cooling or heating systems. As the world witnesses this innovation, questions arise about its future implications and potential uses. 2kW Laser Works Anywhere, Anytime The new laser technology from China represents a significant leap forward in laser design and functionality. At the heart of this innovation is a novel pump laser design that naturally generates less heat, effectively reducing the need for bulky cooling systems. These pump lasers inject energy into the laser-generating fiber using smart light injection techniques. This involves nine forward and eighteen backward diodes that direct light in multiple directions, ensuring that the system remains balanced and efficient even when experiencing drastic temperature changes. Thermal isolation is another crucial aspect of this technology. By relocating heat-sensitive components away from the core laser cavity, the system maintains its integrity under extreme conditions. Tight fiber cooling, maintained to a diameter of approximately 3.15 inches, helps suppress parasitic modes that could otherwise waste energy or destabilize the laser beam. The use of a ytterbium-doped fiber core, a rare earth metal abundant in China, enhances the laser's ability to operate across a wide temperature range while converting energy into laser light with remarkable efficiency. 'China Leaves West in the Dust': Its Small Nuclear Reactor Leap Puts Beijing Years Ahead in the Future of Clean Energy Military and Industrial Applications The implications of this new laser technology are profound, especially in the military sector. Unlike traditional militarized laser systems, which require large infrastructure for cooling, China's portable laser can fit into a suitcase, making it ideal for mobile units, drones, or battlefield operations. This portability offers a significant tactical advantage, allowing for rapid deployment and versatility in various combat scenarios. Beyond military uses, the laser's potential in industrial applications is equally promising. Industries that rely on precision cutting and welding could benefit immensely from this technology. Additionally, the laser's anti-drone capabilities could be leveraged in factory settings or remote sites where climate control is challenging. The ability to operate in extreme temperatures without additional cooling systems makes it a valuable tool for various sectors. 'This China's EV Range Shocks World': 1,300 Miles on One Charge With Record-Smashing 47% Thermal Efficiency Revealed Leveraging China's Ytterbium Supply China's dominance in the global supply of ytterbium gives it a strategic advantage in developing and deploying this cutting-edge technology. Ytterbium's properties make it an ideal component for lasers, allowing for efficient energy conversion and robust performance across varied environmental conditions. With a stronghold on this critical resource, China is poised to lead in the advancement of laser technologies, potentially setting the standard for future developments. Looking ahead, the development team, led by Chen Jinbao, is focused on enhancing the laser's power output, broadening its operating temperature range, and refining its engineering to make the device even more compact and resilient. As they continue their research, the potential for this technology to become a staple in both military and industrial arsenals grows. 'China Is Already There': Shocking Lunar Strategy Exposes How Beijing Plans to Dominate Space and Rewire Global Power Structures Future Prospects and Challenges The introduction of this portable laser technology opens up a world of possibilities, yet it also presents challenges that need to be addressed. As other nations observe China's advancements, there will likely be a push to develop competing technologies. This could lead to an arms race in laser technology, with implications for global security and industrial competitiveness. Furthermore, the ethical considerations surrounding the use of such powerful weapons in military contexts cannot be ignored. As this technology continues to evolve, it raises important questions about its long-term impact on global industries and military strategies. How will countries respond to this leap in technology? Will it prompt new regulations or international agreements? As we ponder these questions, one thing is certain: the future of laser technology is bright, and its potential is vast. What role will this innovation play in shaping the world of tomorrow? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
