Ukraine reveals laser weapon that destroys drones, missiles and aircraft

• Ukraine demonstrated its Tryzub laser weapon system for the first time, showcasing a prototype that can intercept drones, missiles and aircraft. Military officials presented test footage and described its capabilities during a European defense industry conference.
• Operators steered the laser manually to hit airborne targets and blind onboard cameras, with plans to automate the system in future versions.
• The system marks a leap in Ukraine’s air defense efforts as it develops energy-based weapons to counter persistent drone and missile attacks.

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Ukraine publicly demonstrated its domestically developed Tryzub laser weapon system for the first time, revealing new capabilities in its air defense arsenal. The presentation took place during a European defense industry conference, where Ukrainian military officials showcased video footage of the system in action and outlined its operational range.

The laser system is still in the prototype stage. Tryzub neutralizes a wide spectrum of airborne threats, including drones, missiles and manned aircraft. According to Ukraine’s commander of Unmanned Systems Forces, Vadym Sukharevskyi, Tryzub can intercept and disable targets at various distances depending on the mode of use.

What are the Tryzub system’s capabilities?

The Tryzub laser system can destroy:

• Strike drones, guided bombs, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 3,000 meters
• Helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and reconnaissance drones at ranges of up to 5,000 meters
• Optical systems on drones, missiles and aircraft using a “blinding” function at distances of up to 10,000 meters

Demonstration footage showed the laser targeting both ground-based objects and an airborne fiber-optic FPV drone. The system successfully disabled the drone’s onboard camera using directed energy.

How does the system operate?

Tryzub relies on an optoelectronic station for targeting, but operators currently control it manually via joystick. Officials said they plan to add full automation in future iterations as the system moves beyond its current prototype phase.

In addition to the stationary unit, Ukraine also revealed a version of the Tryzub system mounted on the new Alligator 9 surface drone, highlighting its potential use in naval or anti-ship operations.

How did the Tryzub system come together?

Ukrainian officials first acknowledged the development of a domestic laser weapon in late 2024. Sukharevskyi noted at the time that the system could shoot down aircraft at altitudes above 2 kilometers. In February, reports confirmed the rapid development of the prototype by Ukrainian defense engineers.

Sukharevskyi said the Tryzub laser is part of a broader strategy to equip mobile air defense units with energy-based weapons rather than machine guns, aiming to increase their effectiveness against enemy reconnaissance drones and protect critical infrastructure and civilian areas.

What are the limitations and next steps?

While Ukraine has disclosed basic operational ranges and use cases, it has not released technical specifications such as the laser’s power output or full system configuration. The system remains under evaluation to confirm its performance in field conditions.

Ukraine becomes one of a small group of nations actively testing or deploying directed energy weapons. According to military officials, the country remains focused on expanding air defense options amid continued drone and missile threats from Russia.