World’s top laser weapons: Laser weapons once belonged only to sc-fi genre of movies and fantasy but today, many countries are turning them into real weapons. War technology is changing very fast across the world. Directed-energy weapons use focused light to hit targets at the speed of light. These weapons can destroy or disable threats almost instantly. They also cost much less per shot when compared to missiles.
Because drones and small fast threats are becoming common, countries now see laser weapons as a smart and cheap defence option. Lockheed Martin clearly explained the danger by saying, “today’s threats are technologically advanced, relatively low-cost, small-scale and lethal.”
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World’s top laser weapons
Iron Beam – Israel
Israel has built a strong laser weapon called Iron Beam. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems developed it with help from Israel’s Ministry of Defence. Iron Beam works at around 100 kW power and supports Israel’s multi-layer air defence network. The laser can shoot down rockets, mortars, artillery shells, drones, and even short-range ballistic threats.
It fills gaps where missile systems may fail. Israel plans to bring Iron Beam into military service by December 30, 2025. Lockheed Martin also plans to join hands with Rafael. A company release said it will help build “a variant of the system for the American market as well as others.”
HELIOS – United States
The United States Navy uses a laser system called HELIOS, which means High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance. Lockheed Martin built this system and connected it to the Navy’s Aegis Combat System. HELIOS delivers more than 60 kW of power and can later be upgraded to 120 kW.
It can attack drones, fast attack boats, and possibly missiles. It also helps with tracking targets and blinding enemy sensors. Lockheed Martin described HELIOS as “the first tactical laser weapon system to be integrated into existing ships.”
DragonFire – United Kingdom
The United Kingdom developed the DragonFire laser weapon with MBDA leading the project. QinetiQ, Leonardo, and the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory also helped. The system started as a test model but has already passed many trials. The UK plans to place DragonFire on Royal Navy ships around 2027. The British government said the 50 kW laser costs only £10 per shot. DragonFire protects ships from nearby air threats and reacts very quickly during attacks.
Peresvet – Russia
Russia operates a mobile laser weapon called Peresvet. Russian President Vladimir Putin first showed it publicly on 1 March 2018 during his address to parliament. Russia designed Peresvet mainly for air defence and possibly for anti-satellite roles. The system shows Russia’s strong interest in using laser weapons for long-term strategic missions.
LY-1 – China
China has revealed a high-energy laser weapon called LY-1. Chinese media reports said the country showed it during the Victory Day parade in Beijing in September 2025. The system can reportedly intercept drones, cruise missiles, and helicopters. Very little public information is available. Reports suggest LY-1 will act as the final defence layer on naval ships and stop incoming threats at close range.
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Mk-II(A) and DURGA-2 – India
India does not yet operate a fully deployed laser weapon like some other countries. Still, it has made strong progress. The Defence Research and Development Organisation tested its 30 kW Mk-II(A) laser weapon in April 2025. This system can destroy drones, small aircraft, and other airborne threats at distances of about five kilometres.
India is also working on stronger systems. One future project is DURGA-2, which means Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array. This planned laser will deliver 300 kW of power and could hit drones, missiles, and UAVs up to 20 km away.
