Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It could be key to the luring shortage of air defence munition.
Ukraine has a math problem.
Defending cities against cheap flying threats often means firing missiles that cost an absolute fortune.
Now, a fresh solution is rolling out to balance the books.
Firing a light beam
Ukraine is testing a mobile laser system called Trident. Developer Celebra Tech recently shared the latest technical details with the news outlet Militarnyi, explaining that they want to shoot down everything from small scout drones to heavy attack models.
The project started as a basic concept mentioned by official Vadym Sukharevskyi late last year. It has now grown into a combat-ready prototype. Final tests are taking place right now.
Its reach is impressive. Celebra Tech told Militarnyi the weapon can destroy spy drones from 1,500 meters away. It can also fry smaller strike drones at roughly 800 to 900 meters.
The company even claimed it is “practically capable” of hitting larger Shahed drones from up to five kilometers away.
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Smart tracking tech
Hitting a fast target requires serious computing power. Engineers upgraded the Trident platform with artificial intelligence to help lock onto incoming threats. The system also communicates with local radar stations. This lets it predict exact flight paths before pulling the trigger.
Mobility is another major advantage. The entire laser weapon sits on a standard trailer. Operators can hook it up and tow it to threatened factories or military bases at a moment’s notice.
Celebra Tech noted this could eventually help private companies. Big businesses might buy these lasers to protect their own power plants and warehouses. The developers also told Militarnyi the beam might eventually help clear landmines.
Beating the clock
Traditional air defense relies on a limited stock of expensive missiles, and Ukraine has been in limbo regarding the supply of US-made Patriot missiles as the war in Iran drags on.
Earlier in May, POLITICO reported that Kyiv is planning to create its own air defense system, and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a goal of having a Ukrainian-made anti-ballistic missile system ready “within a year.”
Sources: Militarnyi, Celebra Tech, United24Media, POLITICO
