Air defense expert Yuri Knutov said that different countries are actively developing anti-drone weapons based on new physical principles. According to him, such developments could lead to a new revolution in military affairs.
Knutov noted that anti-aircraft missile systems are currently used mainly to counter drones. He singled out the effectiveness of Pantsir and Tor systems, but stressed that in the near future the main focus will be on combat lasers.
In the expert’s opinion, a major breakthrough should eventually take place in this area, after which laser systems will become much more widespread. For now, Knutov noted, they remain expensive and lack sufficient power, but he believes this problem will ultimately be solved.
He also pointed to electromagnetic guns, which China has shown at a parade and the United States has demonstrated at exhibitions. Knutov explained that such systems are capable of burning out microchips. According to him, when this type of equipment begins entering service on a large scale, it could bring about a new military revolution.
The expert believes that after the current «drone revolution," the future may see a partial return to earlier methods of warfare, but with different technologies. In particular, a tank crew could be replaced by artificial intelligence or remote control. Similar changes, he said, could also affect aviation.
Knutov stressed that the military sphere will face serious changes in any case. At the same time, he noted that the enemy is also continuing to look for new solutions. According to him, work is now underway on ways to deliver drones deep into Russia’s rear using weather balloons and air balloons. Such carriers could travel at very high altitudes, where they are difficult to detect and shoot down.
The expert recalled that in Soviet times, S-75 and S-200 systems, as well as interceptor aircraft, were used against such targets. However, he said that era has passed, and the focus is now increasingly shifting to laser weapons. As an example, Knutov cited the United States, which, according to him, recently shot down two weather balloons using ground-based lasers.
In Knutov’s assessment, weapons based on new physical principles should radically change the fight against drones. He also noted that one-third of US destroyers are already equipped with various laser systems.