South Korea has announced the mass production of a low-cost laser weapon named Block-I, designed to neutralize small drones and multicopters at close range, according to the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
“The Block-I laser weapon can precisely strike small unmanned aerial vehicles and multicopters at close range,” DAPA stated in a news release. Each shot fired by this laser weapon costs approximately $1.50, making it an economically efficient defense solution.
The laser system, resembling a shipping container with a mounted laser and radar or tracking device, measures 9 meters by 3 meters by 3 meters (29.5 feet by 9.8 feet by 9.8 feet). “It is invisible and noiseless, does not require separate ammunition, and can be operated only when electricity is supplied,” the release added.
Future Enhancements and Strategic Importance
DAPA is also working on developing a Block-II version of the laser system with improved output and range, potentially capable of targeting larger threats like aircraft and ballistic missiles. The current Block-I weapon comes online at a critical time, especially given the use of low-cost drones in conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East. These drones have proven effective against high-value military assets, including tanks.
James Black, assistant director for defense and security at RAND Europe, highlighted the significance of such low-cost defense systems, stating, “Low-cost drones and rockets have swung the economic calculus of offense and defense in favor of those using large volumes of cheap unmanned systems and munitions to overwhelm more sophisticated air and missile defenses.”
Development and Global Context
Developed over five years with an investment of more than $63 million, the Block-I laser system was led by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, with contributions from Hanwha Aerospace. The system was deemed combat-ready in April 2023, achieving 100% success in live-fire tests.
South Korea claims to be the first country to publicly acknowledge the deployment of a mass-produced laser weapon. This follows recent developments in similar technologies by other nations. Earlier this year, Britain showcased a laser weapon potentially offering lethal missile or aircraft defense at around $13 per shot, though no deployment date was announced. In 2022, the US Navy tested a high-energy laser system against a cruise missile target, with future deployment plans remaining speculative.
