Taiwan is expected to begin testing of a cutting-edge high-energy laser system this year, thanks to breakthroughs made possible by “international friends,” a senior official said on Tuesday.
The National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) last year completed research on a low-powered version of a vehicle-mounted laser defense system.
Significant advancements are expected in the coming months, with a 50kW high-energy vehicle-mounted laser expected to enter testing later this year.
Photo courtesy of Kord Technologies
The US military last year delivered four Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) prototype systems to the Fourth Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
According to the US Army, the 50kW mountable laser weapon is able to neutralize aerial threats through a quiet electronic attack, powered by an onboard thermal and power system that dissipates heat and recharges its batteries.
Earlier this week, US defense media reported that the four DE M-SHORAD prototypes had been sent to the Middle East to test “real-world applicability” operating in dusty conditions.
Many countries are racing to develop 50kW laser weapons systems, which are promising as low-cost defense against drones and slow aircraft.
The NCSIST keeps hitting technological milestones in a short amount of time thanks to guidance from international friends, a senior official with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.
The 50kW version is already suitable for combat, and could hopefully begin orders soon as another key weapons system that is produced domestically, the official added.
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