Ukrainian Laser: A Game‑Changer?
Ukraine just rolled out its first laser weapon, Tryzub, in less than two months. While only a handful—under ten—countries currently boast such tech, it’s signaling that the directed‑energy revolution is accelerating fast.
Why Directed‑Energy Weapons Matter
Photonics gurus at Altechna say DEWs will become the bread and butter of future defence. They’re cheaper, tougher, and can fire “hundreds of times” cheaper than old‑school missiles.
- UK’s DragonFire can take out a bird of prey for about $13 a shot.
- A missile that wrecks a whole city can cost up to $111 million.
So, pretty much, a laser is like a cheap, reusable “laser gun” that turns the battlefield into a precision shooting range.
Problems That Still Need Fixing
Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna, warns that “the big picture” isn’t just about the last shot:
- Size – We’re still racing to keep the gear pocket‑size enough for both ground and air use.
- Optics – The lenses must survive intense power without screaming “overheat” and need a high LIDT and low absorption to fight long‑term wear.
Keeping the Lights Hot Without Breaking a Sweat
Laser fatigue is the villain here. If the optics take too much heat, they’ll fry. That’s why manufacturers focus on high LIDT and low absorption – it keeps the laser running smooth and duties on the maintenance rod low.
What’s Happening Around the Globe
“Development is sprint‑fast, but adoption rates vary,” says Laurutis.
- US – billions in research, still experimental.
- UK, Israel, Russia, China, France, India, Turkey, and others – all cooking up their own laser suites.
- Europe is coordinating through projects like TALOS‑TWO, in which Altechna participates.
Why We’re All Ready for Laser Wars
According to CTO Deividas Buinovskis, lasers are not about blowing stuff up; they’re about precision. They’re perfect for:
- Intercepting drones, rockets, mortar shells.
- Keeping our cities from ending up in a missile‑strike photo‑journal run.
The Bull’s‑Eye Forecast
The global DEW market hit roughly $6.7 billion in 2024 and is eyeing a CAGR of 17.6% through 2034. That’s a boom driven by drone and UAV threats. But, Buinovskis cautions, widespread use will rely on overcoming beam stability, power efficiency, and building solid international strategies.
Takeaway
Laser weapons are like the new, high‑efficiency gadgets of the defence world—not about peppering the sky with explosives, but about clean, precise shots that can save whole city blocks. The technology is still maturing, but the world’s looking forward to a future where lasers keep the battlefield sharp and the cost low.
