Russian troops are using blue-violet laser pointers mounted on their rifles to detect and shoot down Ukrainian drones. A company commander from the BARS-Krym volunteer unit, known by the call sign Yurist, described the technique to TASS.

According to the officer, a laser pointer is attached to an AKM rifle and calibrated at a firing range before being used in combat. The beam makes it easier to pinpoint a drone’s position, while fighters with good eyesight can even see the light reflecting off the underside of the aircraft.

Once the target is illuminated, other soldiers open fire, with the commander directing their shots and advising them on the necessary lead to hit the moving drone. The method proves particularly effective at night when surrounding lights are switched off.

Russian forces also use the same approach against unmanned boats. Yurist explained that gun crews stationed along the coast employ the technique to fire on enemy vessels while supporting other units.

Laser pointers are not the only means of identifying targets in darkness. Fighters also use powerful flashlights and bursts of tracer fire to guide their aim during nighttime engagements. Yurist added that AKM rifles and PKT machine guns have performed well in these conditions.