Ukraine to Deploy Laser Weapons Against Russian Drones, Commander Says

Ukrainian mobile fire groups will soon be equipped with laser weapons to counter Russian Shahed drones, according to Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of the Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces.

Speaking in an interview with PRESSING, Sukharevskyi emphasized the continuous development of unmanned capabilities as a key priority for the Ukrainian military.

“We have significant potential to transform the battlefield. I am overseeing this project to use simple technological solutions to bring down Shahed drones and enemy reconnaissance UAVs, ensuring the defense of strategic sites. We provide a direction for manufacturers to innovate. This is a working solution that has already demonstrated the ability to burn through aircraft metal during tests. I am confident that soon, the mobile fire groups—currently known for intercepting Shaheds with machine guns and thermal imaging—will be equipped with lasers,” Sukharevskyi stated.

Laser weapons have already undergone testing in Ukraine, demonstrating their ability to penetrate metal and target aerial threats at altitudes exceeding two kilometers. The introduction of this technology marks a shift in counter-drone operations, supplementing existing anti-air defenses with directed-energy weapons.

Mobile fire groups operate as specialized air defense units, maintaining 24/7 readiness. During air raid alerts, they rapidly deploy to engage airborne threats, including loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted advancements in domestic counter-drone technologies in a recent interview with Reuters.

“We are currently working on one technology against drones, and we are very close to achieving a positive result—very close. I have already seen successful outcomes, but it is crucial to refine the system to ensure consistent, mass-scale effectiveness. That remains a priority for me,” Zelenskyy said.

Earlier, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi confirmed that Ukraine has deployed its Tryzub laser weapon against Russian targets. In an interview with RFE/RL, he stated that the system is capable of downing aircraft at altitudes over 2 km and is part of Ukraine’s strategy to counter Russian drones and aerial threats.