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Drone swarms have become one of the defining threats of the current Ukraine-Russia conflict. Low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles can be launched in large numbers to strike infrastructure and military positions. While advanced air-defense systems can intercept such threats, using high-value interceptor missiles against inexpensive drones quickly becomes economically unsustainable. Over time, this imbalance strains budgets and limits defensive capacity.
To address this challenge, a compact laser-based counter-drone system known as Sunray has been developed in Ukraine as a low-cost alternative. The concept focuses on scalability and affordability rather than large, fixed installations. Unlike major directed-energy programs that require significant infrastructure and investment, this prototype is designed to be mobile and easily deployed. The entire system reportedly fits inside the trunk of a car and can be operated from a pickup truck.
According to Interesting Engineering, the system consists of a laser unit mounted on a compact platform, accompanied by tracking cameras positioned alongside the emitter. These cameras follow the target’s movement and guide the beam accordingly. During a recent demonstration, a small drone was launched and tracked in real time. When the laser was activated, the system emitted no visible flash or audible signature, yet the drone quickly ignited and fell from the sky.
The system’s key advantage lies in its cost profile. High-end naval laser systems developed elsewhere have required investments in the hundreds of millions of dollars. In contrast, the system is being produced at a fraction of that cost, with each unit expected to be priced in the thousands. This makes widespread deployment feasible, allowing multiple systems to be fielded rather than relying on a limited number of expensive interceptors.
From a defense perspective, the technology represents a shift toward cost-exchange efficiency. In environments where adversaries deploy inexpensive drones in large numbers, a low-cost directed-energy solution can restore balance. Lasers also eliminate the need for physical ammunition, reducing logistical strain and enabling repeated engagements as long as power is available.
The development reflects a broader trend toward frugal innovation under operational pressure. As drone warfare evolves, scalable countermeasures that combine mobility, affordability, and precision are becoming central to layered air defense strategies.
