SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) -South Korea showcased its latest laser air-defense systems by intercepting all three drones deployed in an Army demonstration, Hanwha Systems said Thursday.
The demonstration sported Cheongwang, a laser weapon already in military service, and a vehicle-mounted 30-kilowatt high-energy laser system. It added to a series of successful live-fire demonstrations as the company develops more powerful mobile systems for overseas markets.
The event took place Wednesday during the Army TIGER+ exercise, which uses advanced weapons and combat systems to prepare troops for future battlefield conditions.
About 500 military officials, industry representatives and researchers attended, including Army Chief of Staff Kim Gyu-ha.
The three successful interceptions followed a September demonstration at the Army’s Seungjin training ground, where Cheongwang intercepted four drones and two other unmanned aircraft in succession, according to the company.
Developed by the Agency for Defense Development with Hanwha Systems participating as the prototype contractor, Cheongwang is also known as the Block-I laser air-defense weapon.
The company puts its firing cost at about 2,000 won per shot. Powered by electricity, the system does not require conventional ammunition replenishment, offering a potential cost advantage against inexpensive drones.
Hanwha Systems said it can operate continuously as long as power is supplied.
Its main components have been reduced in size and weight for installation on combat vehicles. A cooling system that absorbs heat through changes in a material’s physical state helps manage temperatures during high-power operation.
The company said those features improve mobility and operational stability.
The demonstrations come as inexpensive drones increasingly serve as attack weapons as well as reconnaissance platforms, driving demand for defenses that can engage them without relying solely on costly guided missiles.
Hanwha Systems is also developing a 50-kilowatt laser-equipped armored vehicle for overseas customers, with completion targeted for 2027.
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