laser weapons • Page 5 of 21

Mar- 2026 -

17 March

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Miguel Gibson, 31st Fighter Wing flight safety manager, demonstrates how pointing a laser at an HH-60 Pave Hawk can illuminate the cockpit at Aviano Air Base, Italy, October 12, 2023. Laser strikes on aircraft, often referred to as "lasing," have become a growing concern for aviation safety in recent years, as it can cause blindness, distraction and potential long-term eye damage to pilots and crew members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Stubblefield)

US Taps Cambium for Aircraft Laser Protection Technology

California-based Cambium has secured a contract to expand its laser and directed-energy protection technology for the US government.

10 March

Americas

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

US Introduces Rifle-Mounted Laser Weapon to Shut Down Drones

A new chapter in counter-drone defense begins as Nuburu’s Lyocon subsidiary completes initial trials of a next-gen, portable non-kinetic laser system built to hunt drones in contested airspace.

Feb- 2026 -

27 February

Middle East

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Israel Rolls Out ‘Sting Lumina’: Tactical Laser Pointer for Close Combat, Covert Ops

Soldiers navigating tight, low-light environments now have a new tool for quick, precise target engagement.

12 February

Land

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Ukraine Introduces ‘Sunray’: A Silent Laser Weapon Against Aerial Drones

Ukraine is turning to a new, low-cost weapon in its fight against aerial drones: a silent laser system known as “Sunray.”

10 February

Asia Pacific

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

India Develops ‘World’s Most Compact’ AI-Driven Laser Sniper Mounted on UGV

India is sharpening its toolkit for future warfare with the rollout of the “world’s most compact” AI-powered laser sniper, mounted on a nimble unmanned ground vehicle.

9 February

Arms

Rojoef Manuel

Australian Firm Unveils Laser Weapons Plant in Singapore

Electro Optic Systems has inaugurated a new center in Singapore to build high-energy laser weapon systems, establishing a regional hub to support international defense customers.

6 February

Land

A compact laser defense system with a turret-mounted laser head, labeled "CROSSBOW," sitting on a metallic base.

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Next-Gen Laser Defense Goes ‘Mini’: IPG Presents Crossbow

A US tech company is positioning a compact, high-energy laser system as a cost-conscious solution against increasingly sophisticated drone swarms.

Jan- 2026 -

8 January

Europe

Image of the 'DragonFire' Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW), seen here undergoing trials at DSTL's (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) range at Porton Down in Salisbury, UK.

Christine Casimiro

QinetiQ Advances Royal Navy DragonFire Laser in $78M Deal

MBDA, the prime contractor of the Royal Navy’s DragonFire laser weapon, has awarded industry partner QinetiQ a $78-million contract to continue work on the system’s laser source.

6 January

Europe

Christine Casimiro

Rheinmetall, MBDA to Form Joint Venture for Laser Weapons in Q1 2026

German arms manufacturers Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland are eyeing a joint venture in the first quarter of 2026 to develop laser weapons.

Dec- 2025 -

30 December

Arms

The Iron Beam high-energy laser weapon system

Rojoef Manuel

Rafael Ships First Operational Iron Beam Laser Weapon to Israel

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has delivered the first Iron Beam air defense system to the Israel Defense Forces, following the transfer’s confirmation in early December.

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