Ukraine Says New Laser Weapons Could Outperform Machine Guns

Ukraine Expects New Combat Laser Systems Within Months

10:35 23-07-2026

Ukraine expects new combat lasers within two to three months, while Israel fields Iron Beam and Britain moves toward deploying Dragonfire on warships.

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Ukraine expects to receive new laser weapon systems within the next two to three months. Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Andrey Lebedenko described the technology as a weapon of the future that could prove more effective than machine guns against aerial targets.

According to Lebedenko, both military units and private companies are working on directed-energy weapons. He said the effort has already moved beyond the development stage, with some laser systems built and tested in practical use.

The deputy commander claimed that existing prototypes can already destroy FPV drones and engage Shahed, or Geran, unmanned aircraft. He expects similar weapons to enter Ukrainian service within months and improve the military’s ability to strike airborne threats.

Israel is considered one of the leaders in combat laser technology. Its armed forces have adopted the 100-kilowatt Iron Beam system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to intercept low-flying drones and mortar rounds.

Such targets can be difficult for conventional air defense systems, including Iron Dome. One of Iron Beam’s main advantages is the substantially lower cost of each interception compared with traditional anti-aircraft missiles.

Britain is also developing its own directed-energy weapon. The British system, known as Dragonfire, is expected to begin deployment aboard military ships by 2027.