Russian laser weapons have already demonstrated high effectiveness, while scientists continue working to improve their performance, according to Gennady Krasnikov, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in an interview with RIA Novosti.
The capabilities of combat lasers were previously tested in the Leningrad Region. Rosgvardia reported trials of a mobile system mounted on an off-road vehicle. Service members and representatives of the military-industrial sector tested the installation against copters in conditions designed to closely resemble combat.
During the trials, the laser was used against several types of drones maneuvering at different distances, speeds and altitudes. The tests were intended to assess the system’s technical characteristics and its ability to destroy aerial targets.
Work is now focused on further improving such systems. Krasnikov said specialists are seeking to increase laser power and extend the effective range of the beam. Another priority is reducing the time required to track a target with the laser.
Russia is also developing other methods of countering unmanned aerial vehicles. Krasnikov described special munitions that disperse into small high-energy fragments, creating a cloud capable of striking drones.
Conventional air defense systems are being upgraded as well. Krasnikov said the work covers not only Pantsir systems but other Russian complexes, with leading scientists and research institutes actively involved across these areas.