Russia Deploys Combat Lasers Against Ukrainian Drones

The Russian military has released footage showcasing the effectiveness of its combat laser systems in neutralizing Ukrainian drones. The video, published on May 30, 2025, highlights the capabilities of the mobile air defense group from the Nomad special forces unit as they successfully destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using an advanced laser system. This development marks a pivotal moment in Russia’s efforts to adapt its military technology in response to emerging threats.

The footage reveals laser beams striking drones with remarkable precision, causing them to veer off course and disintegrate into debris. This operation took place in the special military operation zone (SVO), an area where Ukrainian UAVs have increasingly been utilized for reconnaissance and offensive strikes. In 2024, the frequency of drone attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces surged by threefold, prompting Russian commanders to seek innovative defensive solutions. The introduction of combat lasers, which can engage targets with high accuracy while minimizing operational costs, has emerged as a strategic answer to this escalating threat.

Russia’s journey in developing laser systems extends back several years. In 2018, the Peresvet complex was unveiled as a tool for countering drones and blinding adversary optical systems. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that the widespread deployment of such technologies commenced, following the identification of vulnerabilities in conventional air defense systems against large-scale drone assaults.

The effectiveness of these combat lasers may reshape the dynamics of aerial warfare, challenging previous skepticism regarding their utility and effectiveness on the battlefield.