Hanwha Systems' (272210.KS) Cheongwang laser air-defense weapon, the world's first such system to be fielded operationally, and a 30-kilowatt vehicle-mounted high-energy laser cannon together intercepted all three drone targets during a South Korean army exercise.
Hanwha Systems said on the 15th that Cheongwang and a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser cannon successfully shot down drones in a demonstration at the Army TIGER+ future warfare integrated combat exercise, held on the 14th under the direction of Army Headquarters. About 500 officials attended the event, including Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyu-ha.
Cheongwang and the 30-kilowatt vehicle-mounted high-energy laser cannon hit all three drone targets. Cheongwang was developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), with Hanwha Systems taking part as the prototype manufacturer, and is the world's first laser weapon to be deployed for operational use. At about 2,000 won per shot, it is considered a highly cost-efficient weapon system. It can operate continuously for 24 hours on electrical power alone, without resupply of ammunition.
The high-energy laser cannon demonstrated alongside it was developed under Hanwha Systems' management, with program oversight by the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT). Its main components were reduced in size and weight for easier mounting on combat vehicles, and it uses phase-change cooling technology to efficiently manage the heat generated during high-output operation.
"Laser weapons are a key game changer that will reshape future air defense," said Shin Joo-hoon, head of Hanwha Systems' laser business center. "We will aggressively pursue the global market with Cheongwang, which has proven combat performance, and with our 50-kilowatt laser armored vehicle, which offers outstanding mobility and high-output intercept capability."
