Japan tested its new 100 kilowatt laser system to counter threats and neutralize drones. This advancement represents an important step toward deploying directed energy weapons to destroy mortar projectiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, and also marks an important step in the country’s efforts to develop this type of defense.
Among its features, the system features a fiber laser architecture, contains ten 10 kW fiber lasers that merge into a single beam of more than 100 kW to rapidly burn targets, and includes beam control optics, cooling system and dedicated power unit. Furthermore, according to the newspaper Asia liveis installed aboard the Asuka test ship of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), is developed by the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) and is being prepared for maritime evaluation at the shipyard of Japan Navy United (JMU).
But how does it work? Mounted on the deck of the Asuka ship, said laser system It is connected to fast steering mirrors, thermal cameras and precision sensors to maintain stable tracking of fast-moving aerial targets. Additionally, it stands out for its “unlimited magazine depth”, its ability to continue attacking targets until ammunition runs out and because the cost per impact is lower than that of conventional anti-drone systems.
Future uses of this laser system from Japan
Asia live informs that The next tests will consist of measuring the laser’s performance against flying targets in real maritime conditions.such as atmospheric humidity, sea spray, ship rolling and thermal distortion which can affect laser accuracy. Additionally, ATLA engineers will test the system’s ability to detect, locate and destroy drones and similar threats at different ranges and altitudes while the Asuka ship is underway.
There is no doubt that these tests will help validate the weapon’s effectiveness as part of a multi-tiered naval defense suiteknowing that Japan plans to expand testing in 2026 to include the interception of high-speed projectiles.
Online, according to the ATLA route, The program lays the foundation for integrating laser weapons into Japan’s future missile defense architecture.nevertheless, Asia live He adds that “missile defense applications are still several years away” because they require high power levels, advanced beam control and sophisticated integration with naval combat systems. SO, Currently, the focus is on perfecting the ability to neutralize drones.mortar shells and swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles.
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