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Belarus Unveils “Shafran” Laser During Zapad-2025, Based on Chinese Silent Hunter
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Belarus showcased a new counter-drone laser system called Shafran during the joint Russian-Belarusian military drills “Zapad-2025,” which concluded on September 16.
According to Defense Express, the system appears to be a repackaged version of China’s Silent Hunter, rather than an indigenous development.
The demonstration took place at the Borisov training ground, where Belarusian and Russian forces staged a scripted scenario for foreign observers and media.
As Defense Express noted, this presentation included elements such as drone engagements, motorcycle assault units, and improvised all-terrain vehicles, alongside the debut of the Shafran laser.
Belarusian officials claim the Shafran is designed to neutralize small unmanned aerial vehicles at a distance of up to one kilometer. State media reported that the system successfully targeted a commercial drone during the exercise.
However, Defense Express pointed out that only one prototype of the system exists, and it had been undergoing testing as recently as early September.
The timeline of its development raises questions. The Shafran was officially announced in spring 2025 by the Belarusian company LEMT, making the appearance of a functioning system within months unusual.
This rapid rollout, according to Defense Express, suggests the platform is derived from the Chinese Silent Hunter, a system previously exported to countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The similarities extend beyond performance. Defense Express highlighted the striking resemblance between the control interface of the Belarusian system and that of the Silent Hunter, including a distinctive 45-degree camera angle.
The report notes that Russia attempted a similar approach in 2024 by presenting the Silent Hunter under the name “Kochevnik.”
Silent Hunter’s record abroad also provides context for the demonstration. Saudi Arabia’s experience with the system showed limited effectiveness, with reports that disabling a single drone could take between 15 and 30 minutes.
Earlier, Ukrainian forces recovered a Russian “Gerbera” drone carrying a Chinese-made Viewpro A40 camera. The device still contained factory test footage from Shenzhen, later geolocated by the “Cyberboroshno” community. This added to growing evidence of Chinese components being used in Russian weapons.
