Russia has recently been developing laser weapons. These include Peresvet or Zadira Laser Weapons. Both can disable and blind satellite surveillance systems, and they are capable thermal destruction. Putin has stated that he would like to develop a laser weapon which can hit satellites in space.
Zadira laser weapon
According to Russian military sources, the Zadira laser weapons has been deployed in Ukraine. The system can also shoot down drones and other air targets. It has a range up to 1500 kilometers. It is a very cost-effective alternative to expensive missiles and is also capable of blinding satellites. This weapon can also be used against enemy reconnaissance missions.
Although lasers can be effective in defense against aerial targets they are constrained by certain limitations. First, lasers take time to heat-up and focus. They can only target one target per time, while missile defense systems can target multiple targets simultaneously. Also, bad weather can negate a laser. A laser can also be blocked by weather conditions like rain, snow, or cloud cover.
Although Russia denied using laser weapons in Ukraine, there is evidence to suggest that it has deployed a new generation of weapons in the country's borderlands. The Russian deputy prime minister, Yury Borisov, has said that the country is using the Zadira to shoot down Ukrainian drones. He also claimed that the system could be used as part an intercontinental balistic missile system. Another type of laser weapon in the Russian arsenal is Peresvet, which is widely deployed. Although it cannot kill drones, it can blind satellites as well as other targets from up to ninety-three kilometres.
The Peresvet laser is a stronger version of the Zadira. This new weapon can blind satellites that are more than 1,000 kilometers above Earth. Borisov stated that the new laser guns are more efficient in degrading target aircraft. Russia will be able to save money on its expensive Tor missiles and Pantsyr laser weapons.
Peresvet laser weapon
Peresvet is a Russian laser weapon that was named after Alexander Peresvet. It is used in anti-satellite warfare and air defense. The Peresvet has the ability to shoot at targets as far away as six miles away. It excels at its primary mission, which is to provide air defense.
The Peresvet laser weapon is based on a solid-state laser array that can be tuned to produce high output to destroy a target, or low output to warn a target. It is mounted on a KamAZ truck chassis and towable by a trailer. It can be used to shoot down UAVs and cruise missiles from low altitudes.
It was tested in Syria. The Peresvet Laser complex has been subjected to state and combat tests. The weapon is being used by the Russian army. Logan Nay published an article about the Peresvet's laser weapon in 2018. He stated that while the United States has not yet produced a laser weapon, they are capable of creating one. The weapon is also being used to protect military bases around the world from unmanned aerial vehicles.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin made a recent announcement about the development of new laser weapons capable of targeting orbiting satellites or drones. The Peresvet laser weapon can blind satellites from up to 1,500 km in the sky. This weapon is classified but its development shows Russia's determination to meet Western threats.