Hanwha Systems Demo Shoots Down All Drones

The Laser Anti-Aircraft Weapon Block-I “Cheongwang,” which carried out a drone interception demonstration during the “Army TIGER+ Future Warfare Integrated Combat Execution Training” held on Oct. 14 under the auspices of the Republic of Korea Army Headquarters. (Provided by Hanwha Systems)  A domestically developed laser weapon that can completely neutralize enemy drones at a low cost of about 2,000 won, approximately $1.48, has once again proven its operational performance. Hanwha Systems said it successfully completed a drone interception demonstration with the Laser Anti-Aircraft Weapon Block-I “Cheongwang” and a combat vehicle-mounted high-energy laser gun during the “Army TIGER+ Future Warfare Integrated Combat Execution Training” hosted by the Republic of Korea Army Headquarters on Oct. 14. About 500 key military officials and experts, including Army Chief of Staff Kim Gyu-ha, attended the training that day and confirmed the practical applicability of advanced defense technologies. Cheongwang and the 30 kW-class laser gun used in the demonstration accurately struck all three drones hovering in the air in front of the observers. In particular, Cheongwang is the world’s first operationally deployed laser weapon, developed by the Agency for Defense Development and with Hanwha Systems participating as the prototype manufacturer. It is regarded as a highly efficient weapon system because it can operate continuously for 24 hours with only a power supply and without separate ammunition resupply. At the event, the “combat vehicle-mounted high-energy laser gun,” designed with enhanced mobility, also stood out. The weapon, developed under the project management of the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement and led by Hanwha Systems, boasts 30 kW-class output. Its main components were miniaturized and made lighter so that it could be easily mounted on a combat vehicle. A range of advanced technologies to improve operational stability was also applied. To effectively control the heat generated during high-output laser operations, it adopted “phase change-based cooling technology.” This is evaluated as a core technology that provides a stable firing environment even while on the move and enhances battlefield response capability. At the “2026 Defense Drone Technology Expo” held last September at the Army’s Seungjin Training Ground, it had already recorded a 100% interception rate by consecutively shooting down four drones and two unmanned aerial vehicles. At that time, Hanwha Systems also unveiled a “50 kW laser armored vehicle,” with enhanced mobility and output for overseas markets, further concretizing its next-generation lineup. On recent battlefields, asymmetric threats using low-cost drones have been rising sharply. Laser weapons are drawing attention as an optimal alternative capable of responding immediately to such small unmanned aircraft attacks. Based on its verified operational performance, Hanwha Systems plans to complete development of a 50 kW-class laser armored vehicle by 2027 and actively target the global air defense market.