A Ukrainian military commander has announced the successful use of the country’s first laser weapon on the battlefield, revealing that it has effectively targeted specific objects.
“I will repeat: laser technologies are already striking certain targets at certain altitudes,” Kyiv’s Unmanned Systems Forces commander Vadym Sukharevskyi stated.
No further details regarding the laser weapon’s deployment, including the date and location, were provided.
In December 2024, Sukharevskyi confirmed that Ukraine became the “fifth country to possess” such a weapon.
The laser weapon is dubbed “Tryzub” (Trident), with a reported operational range of two kilometers (1.24 miles).
A Strategic Shift in Air Defense
The laser weapon’s deployment is a part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to enhance its air defense capabilities, particularly in countering drone threats.
It also reflects Kyiv’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge military technology to stay competitive in modern warfare.
Russia has increasingly relied on sophisticated unmanned aerial systems, including Iranian-supplied Shahed drones, to target Ukrainian military positions and critical infrastructure.
However, defense expert James Black, assistant director at RAND Europe, explained that the laser weapon’s use might currently be “limited and largely experimental.”
He emphasized the technical, logistical, and operational hurdles that Ukraine could face as it looks to scale up deployment of such systems.
Black also highlighted other key challenges, including integrating the laser system with other air defense assets, ensuring a reliable energy supply, and operating in adverse weather conditions.
