Ukraine possesses high-powered laser capable of shooting down planes at altitude of two kilometers – Unmanned Systems Forces' commander
Photo: Telegram / Unmanned Systems Forces
Ukraine currently possesses a laser weapon known as the "Trident" and is also developing a project to incorporate a "queen bee" drone equipped with two FPVs.
The commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine's armed forces, Vadym Sukharevskyi, announced that at the conference "European Defense Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defense Industry," according to Interfax-Ukraine.
"We can state that today, Ukraine is, if I am not mistaken, the fifth country that can say that it has a laser. Today, we can already shoot down planes at an altitude of more than 2 km with this laser," he said during an address to participants in the conference "European Defense Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defense Industry," organized by the We Build Ukraine think tank.
According to Sukharevskyi, the Unmanned Systems Forces are now on their way to scaling up and strengthening the laser.
"It really works; it really exists," he emphasized.
He specifically drew attention to the development of "queen bee" drones that carry light strike drones.
"Today, we employ "queen bee" drones, which are FPV carriers capable of cruising at depths of over 70 km. These drones can carry 2 FPVs beneath them, serving as a repeater to strike deep enemy targets successfully. I believe this is a major breakthrough," the colonel noted.
As Sukharevskyi noted, scaling up this project is one of the most promising elements in his work.
When discussing the Unmanned Systems Forces, the commander mentioned, "we have only been in existence for less than six months." At this point, combat and scientific units "cover all three components: air, land, and water." He also stated that the Unmanned Systems Forces operate along the entire front line.
For reference:
On August 24, Ukraine's Independence Day, Zelensky declared that Ukraine had successfully deployed a new indigenous drone missile, Palianytsia. The President emphasized that this recent addition to Ukraine's arsenal, particularly the Palianytsia missile, serves as a practical means for the country to take action while its partners are dragging their feet in decision-making.
Also, on the occasion of Ukraine's Armed Forces Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky handed over the first batch of the latest "Peklo" drone missiles to the Defense Forces.
