Before the laser weapons were displayed at the September 3rd military parade, Chinese military industrial enterprises had already showcased a number of laser weapons at the China Airshow and international defense exhibitions. For example, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation showcased the LW-30 and LW-60 laser defense systems. A laser defense system called the "SilentHunter" also appeared at this year's Abu Dhabi Defense Exhibition.
A model of the "SilentHunter" laser defense system was displayed at the Abu Dhabi Defense Exhibition. According to the exhibition, the "SilentHunter" laser defense system integrates radar search, electro-optical acquisition and tracking, and laser interception capabilities. It combines multiple detection and interception methods, boasting high efficiency, compactness, a high probability of interception, and a high cost-effectiveness. It also possesses the ability to operate on-the-go, enabling rapid response. It is an effective means of intercepting low- and medium-altitude drones, suitable for protecting key political, military, and economic locations and for the security of major events. Furthermore, it can be equipped with an electronic countermeasures unit to provide soft kill capabilities against drones, depending on user needs. The laser weapons used by the LW-30 and LW-60 have an output power of 30 kilowatts or 60 watts. These systems are primarily designed for field air defense or key point air defense, offering hard-kill capabilities against typical targets such as drones, while also incorporating both soft and hard kill capabilities from optoelectronic detection and guidance equipment.
The "Silent Hunter" laser weapon system can operate from a single vehicle or as a network of multiple vehicles, boasting advantages such as high strike accuracy, rapid response, low operational costs, and strong sustained combat capability. According to a report by TASS on March 8, 2022, Saudi Arabia announced at an international defense exhibition that the "Silent Hunter" system had successfully shot down a drone in actual combat, achieving its first real-world success. This further validated its excellent combat performance and high reliability, and is of great significance in the development of laser air defense equipment. It is understood that the system has subsequently shot down dozens of drones. Therefore, as countries increasingly deploy high-energy laser weapons, the "Blade of Light" will play a greater role on the battlefield, gradually altering the offensive and defensive landscape and, in turn, influencing changes in combat styles.
