South Korea is set to become the first country in the world to weaponize directed light as part of its "Block-I" program, aiming to effectively counter the threat posed by North Korean drones.
South Korea has embarked on an ambitious project to develop and deploy laser-based defense systems, known as "Block-I" or "StarWars." This significant technological advancement aims to enhance the nation's defense capabilities against the increasing threat posed by North Korean drones.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) expressed its determination to become a global leader in laser weapon technology. "Our country is becoming the first country in the world to deploy and operate laser weapons, and our military’s response capabilities on North Korea’s drone provocation will be further strengthened," DAPA stated.
South Korea's Laser-Based Defense: A Technological Leap in Drone Interception
Drones have emerged as a formidable threat, capable of delivering payloads and conducting surveillance missions. North Korea's persistent use of unmanned aerial vehicles has heightened concerns for South Korea. "We face North Korea on our doorstep, and its drones pose present threats to us, so that’s why we’ve been aiming to build and deploy laser weapons soon to cope with them," an agency official explained.
The laser weapons, developed in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, are designed to fire sustained beams of light at aerial targets for up to 20 seconds. They employ heat-generating lasers that can overheat and disable targets without relying on projectiles.
South Korea's Laser-Based Defense: A Technological Leap in Drone Interception
Operation of these laser weapons is expected to be highly cost-effective, with each discharge estimated to cost less than $2 USD. This cost-efficient solution enables South Korea to maintain a robust defense system against drone threats.
The primary intended use of the "StarWars" weaponry is to counter aerial targets from North Korea. The lasers hold the potential to effectively neutralize drones and other unmanned aerial systems.
South Korea's Laser-Based Defense: A Technological Leap in Drone Interception
Beyond its strategic implications, the "Block-I" program demonstrates South Korea's commitment to technological advancement and its resolve to enhance its defense capabilities in the face of evolving threats. The successful implementation of this project may pave the way for further innovations in directed light weaponry and solidify South Korea's position at the forefront of global defense technologies.
