Vadym Sukharevskyi, the Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, announced this innovation at a defense summit in Kyiv. ‘Today, we can already shoot down aircraft with this laser at an altitude of over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles),’ he stated, underscoring its operational status. Named after the Ukrainian trident symbolizing independence, the Tryzub is being developed to bolster military capabilities amidst ongoing regional tensions.
While Sukharevskyi did not provide further technical details, experts contacted by CNN, including Patrick Senft from Armament Research Services, found the existence of such a laser ‘feasible.’ Senft explained the practicality of a directed-energy weapon (DEW) made from commercially available welding lasers, akin to the US Navy’s Laser Weapons System active since 2014. According to Senft, these lasers could effectively target and destroy slow, low-flying drones, which are vulnerable to heat due to their fragile construction. Notably, drones like the Shahed-136 deployed by Russia are particularly susceptible due to low altitude and consistent flight patterns, making them easy targets for sustained laser attacks.
Nevertheless, laser weapons do face significant challenges. Senft pointed out limitations such as reduced efficiency over long distances and difficulties in targeting rapidly moving or heat-resistant objects like artillery shells. Fabien Hoffmann from the Oslo Nuclear Project added technical hurdles including beam strength and system cooling, atmospheric interference, and thermal blooming, where the laser’s heat disperses in air, reducing its power.
While only a few nations, including the US, China, and Israel, possess laser weapon capabilities, Ukraine’s development of the Tryzub marks a potential leap forward. The UK’s DragonFire system, expected to be operational by 2027, highlights the global trend towards embracing such technologies. Former UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps mentioned the possible deployment of DragonFire in Ukraine to combat Russian drone threats.
Ukraine’s announcement of the Tryzub laser showcases its commitment to advancing military technology. Although practical challenges persist, the feasible nature of such a system highlights Ukraine’s potential stride in modern warfare.
