A laser-based air defense system cannot, by definition, be compact, military expert Konstantin Sivkov told NEWS.ru, casting doubt on reports that Ukraine has developed a small and inexpensive installation.

Earlier, The Atlantic reported that Ukraine had created a new laser air defense system called Sunray. But Sivkov, a doctor of military sciences and retired first-rank captain, argued that any system capable of striking drones in flight must rely on a substantial energy supply and deliver significant output power — factors that rule out small dimensions.

According to him, a combat-ready laser complex would be at least the size of a truck. Such equipment requires either its own power plant or a connection to a high-capacity energy source. Battery capacity is another critical element, as it must ensure a steady and uninterrupted flow of electricity.

Sivkov drew a distinction between systems designed to physically destroy aerial targets and those intended merely to dazzle or disable optical and electronic surveillance devices. In his view, a laser that only blinds sensors would not represent anything unusual.

Range is another key variable. At a distance of one to one and a half kilometers, relatively modest power levels may suffice, though the protected area would remain limited. Extending the reach to 10–15 kilometers significantly increases energy demands due to beam dispersion, which weakens the laser over longer distances.

More broadly, Sivkov noted that there is nothing technically extraordinary about the concept. Industrial lasers capable of burning through metal already exist, and adapting such technology as a foundation for new systems would not pose major difficulties. For that reason, he said he sees nothing remarkable in the reported development.

The expert also suggested that Ukraine may have received assistance from the United States. He pointed out that the US has already tested its own ship-based laser system installed on the command vessel Mount Whitney, which, according to him, is capable of engaging drones and missiles at distances of several kilometers.