Laser weapons are currently employed mostly in testing, but within the next three years they could find broader use on the battlefield, according to military analyst Alexey Zhivov.

He argued that laser technologies hold particular promise in countering drones. The key obstacle, however, is their enormous energy demand, which continues to prevent the creation of truly mobile systems. At present, Zhivov explained, lasers are applied mainly in experimental settings rather than on the frontlines, tested at dedicated facilities to evaluate their capabilities.

The analyst noted that China has already begun serial production of laser systems, primarily designed to target drones. Russia, too, is pursuing such developments, though largely in experimental form.

Zhivov outlined two main categories of Russian laser systems: those intended to disrupt control channels and video signals, and those designed to sever the fiber-optic lines of enemy UAVs.

He stressed that while stationary lasers powered by heavy generators mounted on vehicles are feasible, portable battery-driven models lack the power to burn through targets in fractions of a second.

Zhivov added that initial cases of laser deployment have already been observed in the zone of the military operation in Ukraine. In his view, the technology could play a significant role on future battlefields.