South Korea to Develop Laser Weapon Against Aircraft, Missiles & Drones

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced plans on Thursday to develop a 300-kilowatt laser weapon for use against aircraft, missiles, and drones.

The proposed laser weapon is stated to be “superior to existing laser anti-aircraft weapon systems' and will possess the capability to intercept large unmanned aerial vehicles, rocket launchers, and subsonic guided missiles,” according to a statement by DAPA.

The project is scheduled to commence in 2024 after a feasibility study.

Numerous laser weapons are in use or are being developed worldwide, including the U.S. Navy's AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System (LaWS); the U.S. Army's HEL MD (High-Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator); the Israeli Iron Dome integrated with SkyHunter; Lockheed Martin's ATHENA (Advanced Test High Energy Asset), and HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance), among others.

Laser interception weapons are praised for their precision and ability to continuously intercept multiple targets at the speed of light, provided there is an adequate power supply.