Ukraine reports new laser weapon capable of bringing down aircraft

According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU), Ukraine has developed a new laser weapon called Trident, which can hit aircraft at altitudes of more than two kilometers.

Vadim Sukharevsky, head of the newly created Unmanned Systems Forces within the VSU, stated that Ukraine has already deployed the Trident laser weapon in real combat operations in 2024.

«I think we can now acknowledge that Ukraine has become the fifth country in the world, if I’m not mistaken, to possess a laser weapon. Currently, we can hit aircraft at altitudes of more than two kilometers. The laser works, and we do have this weapon,» the Interfax-Ukraine media outlet reported, citing Sukharevsky.

He also revealed that the Unmanned Systems Forces plan to scale up the weapon and enhance its capacity. Commenting on the development of combat drones in Ukraine, Sukharevsky added that his division is working on a drone “mothership” capable of carrying several smaller combat drones.

«We are using so-called drone motherships, which can carry two smaller FPV drones over 70 kilometers. Acting as a transmitter, it is very effective for long-range strike operations. I think this is a significant achievement,» Sukharevsky said.

In late November, Moscow hit Ukraine with Oreshnik, a missile the Kremlin claimed to be a new design. The rocket is expected to enter mass production under orders from President Vladimir Putin.