South Korea unveils low‑cost laser weapon to counter Pyongyang drones
South Korea plans to implement an innovative laser weapon capable of destroying drones sent by the regime in Pyongyang. The system, called Block-I, is expected to cost only 2,000 South Korean won (around £1.50) per single "shot." It is set to be ready later this year.
The South Korean Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the new laser weapon is "capable of precise strikes on small unmanned aerial vehicles". The project, dubbed "Star Wars", is intended to significantly enhance South Korea's ability to counter drone provocations from North Korea.
Lee Yoon, a DAPA representative, explained the weapon's mechanism. The concentrated beam on the target causes the surface to melt and ignites internal components, destroying the machine.
The new weapon is a response to a call by President Yoon Suk Yeol from 2022. It came after South Korean armed forces failed to shoot down several North Korean drones that crossed the border for the first time in years.
Interest in laser weapons is growing
Laser weapons are gaining increasing interest on the international stage. According to the RAND think tank, many countries, including Israel, China, Russia, France, India, Turkey, Iran, South Korea, and Japan, invest in domestic programs to develop this technology. Earlier this year, the United Kingdom announced that it had tested a new high-power laser that could be used against Russian drones in Ukraine.
The British Ministry of Defence reported that the DragonFire weapon typically costs less than £10. The United States has also indicated the possibility of using laser systems to protect bases in the Middle East from drone and missile attacks. However, it is unclear if they have already been used.
The new weapon could threaten the balance
The introduction of laser weapons by South Korea could have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power on the Korean Peninsula. The low cost of single-use (around £1.50) compared to traditional air defence systems could significantly change the economics of conflicts involving drones. Additionally, the precision and speed of laser operations could give South Korea a considerable advantage in defending against potential future provocations from North Korea.
South Korea's development of this technology aligns with a global trend of seeking new, cost-effective defense solutions. It may also inspire other countries to intensify their research into similar systems, potentially leading to a new arms race in laser technologies.
