The Republic of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced it has awarded Hanwha Aerospace a contract for the mass production of a high-powered directed-energy weapon.
The Laser Anti-Air Weapon Block 1 has been in active development since 2019 in a US$63 million program. Following a series of live-firing tests in April 2023 where the demonstrated a 100% success it was determined to be ready for production. An initial fielding is scheduled for later in 2024.
According to DAPA background the Block 1 uses an optical fibre laser developed by the Agency for Defense Development and Hanwha. The system has a power of 20kW which has proved sufficient for engaging and downing small drones and unmanned aerial vehicles including fixed wing and quad-copters. The weapon system is housed in an ISO rigid shelter that can be carried on a truck or air-transported. The package appears to have a 360 degree laser, a panoramic optical sight, and integrated generator power. Study of the model displayed by Hanwha suggests the laser itself can be retracted into the shelter itself likely for transport and weather protection when not in operational ready state. The configuration suggests the Block 1 is intended for stationary employment. This coupled with an effective three kilometer range the system is likely most appropriately employed defending high value fixed site assets against drone attack.
The benefits of a laser in this air defense role particularly are its accuracy, unlimited “magazine”, and projected low cost per kill over other more traditional weapons. Since the laser travels “strait at the speed of light” aiming is relatively straight forward. In addition, as long as it has power it is able engage targets. Further, the case can be made that its is more cost effective particularly over guided missile solutions which are commonly tens of thousands of dollars. The 20kW Hanwha Block claims a cost about 1,000 to 2,000 won or US$1.50 per shot. Disadvantages include its difficultly engaging in smoke, fog, rain and the overall size required of laser systems due to the power and cooling demands. A further issue can be the potentially long interception time – essentially meaning the length of time that the laser beam must dwell on the target to assure it is disabled. This can be as great as ten seconds.
DAPA is pursing other more powerful laser weapons to address some of these issues and to expand the targets against which they can be employed. Its Laser anti-aircraft Weapon Block-3 being developed is to have an output of 100kW for shipboard use. This is considered by many experts as having the most practical tactical value and target versatility. This Block-3 is projected to be ready by mid-2030. A 30kW laser (Block 2) may also be pursued which could be available earlier though more likely being an upgrade to the Block 1. Although the US Navy successfully fired a laser against a missile target in 2022 and the United Kingdom demonstrated its Dragon Fire 30kW laser in early 2024, the RoK appears to be the first to move forward with a production system.
by Stephen W. Miller
