South Korea begins mass production of the innovative Block-I anti-drone laser weapon, characterized by high efficiency and low cost per shot.
Laser anti-drone weapon
Start of production
South Korea begins serial production of the advanced Block-I laser system designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles. Although the exact cost of the installation has not been disclosed, it is known that one shot will cost only $1.50. reports CNN, referring to the official statement of the South Korean Armaments Agency (DAPA).
Development and investment
The creation of this innovative weapon lasted five years and required an investment of more than $63 million. The project was led by the Korea Defense Analysis Institute in cooperation with the local company Hanwha Aerospace. After successful tests last April, where Block-I demonstrated 100% efficiency, the system was deemed suitable for combat use.
Technical characteristics
Block-I has dimensions similar to a shipping container (9x3x3 meters), with a laser installation on top and a radar system on the side. The weapon uses a laser beam that is difficult to detect until impact. DAPA representatives emphasize its unique properties: "It is invisible, silent, does not require special ammunition and functions only when electricity is available."
Development prospects
South Korean developers are already planning to create an improved version - Block-II. This modification is expected to be able to destroy larger objects such as aircraft or ballistic missiles, potentially changing the rules of engagement.
Global context
In modern conflicts, drones have proven themselves as cost-effective weapons capable of disabling expensive military equipment. Traditional methods of combating drones are often too costly. For example, Great Britain recently presented a laser air defense system with a cost of about $13 a shot. In 2022, the US Navy successfully tested a high-energy laser against a cruise missile counterpart.
Glossary
- Block-I - South Korean laser anti-drone defense system
- DAPA - Armaments Agency of South Korea
- Hanwha Aerospace - a South Korean company that participated in the development of Block-I
- CNN - American TV news channel
- US Navy - Naval Forces of the United States of America
Link
- CNN: South Korea Begins Production of Laser Weapons Against Drones
- Business Insider: Britain shows off Dragonfire laser weapon
- Breaking Defense: US Navy tests laser system against cruise missile analogue
Answers to questions
What is the main advantage of the new Block-I laser weapon?
What characteristics does the Block-I laser weapon have?
What are the plans regarding the further development of this technology?
How can laser weapons change the situation in modern conflicts?
Are other countries developing similar technologies?
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Discussion of the topic – Defense revolution: South Korea starts production of laser weapons against drones
South Korea begins mass production of Block-I laser weapons capable of shooting down drones. The cost of one shot is only $1.50, making this technology cost-effective for countering drones.
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Olena
Wow, this is just amazing! South Korea is revolutionizing military technology. Laser weapons for $1.50 per shot are simply fantastic! 🚀 I wonder how this will affect future conflicts?
Pierre
Yes, Olena, that is really impressive. But I think that the main thing here is not the price of the shot, but the effectiveness. If this weapon really destroys 100% of the targets, it could change the balance of power in the world. I wonder how other countries will react to this?
Maria
Pierre, you are right about the efficiency. But do not forget about the economic aspect. Cheap shots mean that countries will be able to defend themselves against drones without huge costs. It can change the strategies of warfare. 💡
Hans
I wonder how this will affect the development of drones? Perhaps we will see a new arms race, but already between lasers and drones? 🤔 Technologies are developing so quickly that it is difficult to predict what will happen next.
Viktor
That's you! Again these newfangled things. Once upon a time, we did without lasers, and we lived without them. And now that it's not a day, a new weapon. They also spend money on it! It would be better to let them do something useful.
Sophia
Viktor, I understand your concern, but technology is an integral part of progress. This development can make wars less destructive and save lives. Isn't it worth the investment? 🕊️
Antonio
Agree with Sophia. In addition, this technology can also have a peaceful application. For example, to protect against dangerous drones in cities or at important facilities. Innovation often begins in the military and then benefits society as a whole. 🌍
Olena
Everyone has very interesting thoughts! Antonio, you raise an important point about peaceful application. I wonder if there are already any plans to use this technology in the civilian sector? Maybe someone knows more about this? 🤓