Russian manufacturers have developed several laser systems designed to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles, Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said.
One of the complexes disabled nearly 60 drones within a month while protecting an undisclosed facility. Alikhanov did not identify the site but said the system saved hundreds of millions of rubles by eliminating the need to launch anti-aircraft missiles against the incoming UAVs.
The main operating expense for such laser weapons is electricity. However, Alikhanov stressed that they cannot fully replace conventional air defence systems. Effective protection against drones requires a layered approach combining different types of weapons.
Russia has also increased production of sophisticated military equipment severalfold this year, including guided anti-aircraft missiles. The government intends to maintain at least the current rate of production growth next year.
At the same time, Alikhanov said missiles alone cannot provide an efficient solution to the drone threat. Air defence planning must take interception costs into account, with countermeasures priced at roughly the same level as the attacking weapon or lower.