Kathrine Frich
The laser weapon system seen in action reportedly belongs to the Russian special forces unit Nomad
The laser weapon system seen in action reportedly belongs to the Russian special forces unit Nomad
Russia Deploys Chinese Laser Weapon on the Ukrainian Front
According to videos shared on Russian Telegram channels, Russia is now using a Chinese-made laser weapon system to take down drones in Ukraine.
The system closely resembles China’s Shen Nung 3000/5000, also known as the “Silent Hunter,” previously exported to Iran and Saudi Arabia.
“Silent Hunter” Appears on the Battlefield
The laser weapon system seen in action reportedly belongs to the Russian special forces unit Nomad. Military analysts have noted its similarity to the Silent Hunter system.
Researcher Fabian Hinz from the International Institute for Strategic Studies confirmed the system is a close match, though some sensor configurations appear modified.
From Beijing to the Front: A Chinese Weapon in Russian Hands
The Silent Hunter was first revealed in Chinese defense expos and is now confirmed to have reached not only Iran but also Saudi Arabia.
Its appearance in Ukraine adds another link in the growing military cooperation between Russia, China, and Iran.
Weapon Specs: What the Laser Can Actually Do
According to Euromaidan Press, the Silent Hunter can destroy drones within a 1.5-kilometer range and blind their onboard cameras at up to 3 kilometers.
Though presented as cutting-edge, these capabilities have significant operational limitations.
Bloggers Praise It — But Ukraine’s Drones Still Hit Hard
Russian military bloggers have claimed that Silent Hunter introduces “new technologies that have turned laser systems into effective tools for destroying Ukrainian drones.”
But over the weekend, Ukraine launched a major drone offensive that damaged multiple Russian air bases, suggesting the laser had little impact.
Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Now Russia Use the Same Chinese System
The spread of the Silent Hunter across three countries shows that China’s anti-drone tech is firmly in the global arms market.
Its appearance in both pro-Western and anti-Western states underlines the system’s broad availability, and Beijing’s growing role in arms exports.
Not the First Laser in the Sky
Russia is not alone in its use of battlefield lasers. Israel confirmed it has used the Iron Beam system (also known as Magen Or) to shoot down drones from Hezbollah.
The United States has similar systems installed on military ships and outposts worldwide.
A Symbol of Alliance: Russia, China and Iran Close Ranks
The appearance of a Chinese laser weapon in Russia’s war against Ukraine reflects a deeper geopolitical trend. While Beijing denies direct involvement,
Ukrainian intelligence says 80% of the electronics used in Russian drones come from China. The message is clear: Russia’s tech edge is increasingly imported.