China deploys drone frying laser weapon on 1st warship to counter US allies

Experts suggest that laser weapons are poised to play an important role in the future of defense. Compared to traditional systems, they are powerful and affordable.

Laser-armed ship

A recent photo circulating on social media reveals what appears to be a newly installed laser weapon on a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 071 amphibious transport dock.

The laser system, identifiable by its dome-like movable cover, was observed positioned behind the ship’s 76mm dual-purpose gun following a recent refit, reports The War Zone (TWZ).

The photo did not reveal specific details about the laser weapon’s capabilities, nor could the exact vessel or its location be identified. However, the censored image hints that the ship could be a Type 071 with a hull number beginning with “98.”

According to TWZ, although the PLA has other laser weapons in use, this is reportedly the first instance of a laser system being installed on one of China’s amphibious naval ships. It will likely serve as a test platform before broader deployment across the fleet.

Commissioned in 2007, the Type 071 was the PLA’s largest operational amphibious ship until the Type 075 entered service in 2021. With a displacement of approximately 25,000 tonnes, the Type 071 features a flight deck, a hangar, and can accommodate four Z-8 transport helicopters along with around 60 armored fighting vehicles.

Next-gen laser warfare

Laser weapons, capable of deployment in air, on land, and at sea, are emerging as the next generation of military technology, with major powers like the US and China actively developing them.

In the past, Interesting Engineering has documented several instances of laser weapons being deployed successfully and producing outcomes that are comparable to those of conventional missiles.

Laser-based weapons are an excellent low-cost weapon to shoot at drones, which are becoming more and more frequent in warfare. As long as there is a reliable power source, the weaponry can fire an infinite number of rounds.

But the US is going one step farther and utilizing the laser weapon to counter ballistic missiles as well.

In recent years, the Chinese Navy has tested tactical laser systems akin to those of the US Navy. In 2019, Chinese media revealed plans to equip naval ships, possibly the Type 055 destroyer, with a ground-based, vehicle-mounted laser weapon for air defense and close-in protection.

A recent study from the PLA’s Naval Submarine Academy suggested using megawatt-class lasers on submarines to target SpaceX’s Starlink satellites if needed, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Meanwhile, the US has advanced its laser weapons, with the USS Portland and USS Preble equipped with systems for drone defense and optical dazzling. The USS Gerald R. Ford is also testing lasers in response to China’s hypersonic threats.