Japan developing laser to knock down UAVs
As Japan’s military looks to gain experience with UAVs, it is also developing lasers to shoot them down too.
The Japanese MoD is developing a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser weapon to intercept small UAVs, it has emerged. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) aims to have the system ready for use by 2025.
ATLA requires approximately JPY3.3 billion ($31.7 million) for technical research under the FY2021 budget request.
The MoD recognises that current Japanese weapon systems cannot intercept coordinated attacks by multiple UAVs. Therefore, ATLA invited proposals from companies for research into vehicle-mounted high-energy lasers on 30 October.
The laser system should be mounted on a small truck like the 4x4 High Mobility Vehicle. The package will consist of
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