China plans to fight drones with lasers

China has developed a highly accurate laser weapon system that can shoot down light drones at low altitude. The machine can bring down targets up to about 500m high, and traveling at up to 180kph, according to the state’s news agency, Xinhua. China expects to use the lasers in crowded areas, such as sporting events, where the risk of an air attack is high; drones have also been used for unlicensed mapping. China typically deploys tight security for domestic political meetings, international conferences and sports events, looking to prevent public protests over issues such as illegal land seizures and corruption as well as any threats to the participants.

Intercepting such drones is usually the work of snipers and helicopters, but their success rate is not as high and mistakes with accuracy can result in unwanted damage.

Yi Jinsong, manager with China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp., part of the China Academy of Engineering Physics

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