Ukraine’s “Trident” Anti-Drone Laser Is Now Mobile, AI-Assisted, and Nearing Deployment

Ukraine’s advanced “Trident” laser system has been integrated into a mobile anti-drone platform designed to counter everything from FPV attack drones to reconnaissance UAVs, the system’s developer Celebra Tech told Militarnyi on May 7.

According to Militarnyi, the laser complex is now undergoing final testing ahead of a public presentation, marking one of the most ambitious Ukrainian directed-energy projects revealed since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The existence of the Trident system was first publicly mentioned in late 2024 by Vadym Sukharevskyi, but developers say the project has since evolved from an early concept into a fully approved combat-ready prototype.

Celebra Tech told Militarnyi that the system can currently destroy reconnaissance drones at ranges of up to 1,500 meters, while the effective engagement range against FPV drones is around 800 to 900 meters.

The company also stated the laser is now “practically capable” of hitting Shahed strike drones at distances of up to 5 kilometers.

According to Militarnyi, the system received several major upgrades during development, including AI-assisted targeting, automatic target acquisition and tracking, and integration with radar systems capable of calculating precise flight trajectories for incoming aerial threats.

The laser weapon is mounted on a trailer-based mobile platform, allowing operators to rapidly deploy it to threatened areas, including military positions, infrastructure facilities, and industrial sites.

Celebra Tech told Militarnyi the Trident system could also become part of future private air-defense networks intended to protect critical infrastructure and strategically important enterprises from drone attacks.

Developers additionally noted that the laser may have applications beyond air defense, including potential use in demining operations.

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War in Ukraine

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According to Militarnyi, the growing focus on laser-based drone interception reflects a broader shift in Ukraine’s defense industry toward cheaper and more sustainable methods of countering mass Russian drone attacks, particularly as Shahed strikes continue targeting Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.

Unlike traditional missile-based air defense systems, laser weapons offer near-unlimited ammunition as long as sufficient power generation is available, potentially reducing interception costs against relatively inexpensive drones.

Earlier, retired US Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery said that the United States may be four to six years away from deploying a truly effective battlefield laser, but Ukraine could achieve it within one to two years.

In addition, Ukraine and Germany were discussing a new partnership focused on innovative laser weaponry. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov spoke with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to coordinate joint projects that were expected to begin soon.

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