Breaking News: Ukraine deploys new Tryzub laser system to target Russian drones at high altitudes.

As reported by Interfax-Ukraine on December 16, 2024, Ukraine has confirmed the development of its domestically produced Tryzub ("Trident") laser weapon system, capable of downing aircraft at altitudes exceeding 2 kilometers. Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, announced this during the We Build Ukraine conference, which focused on cooperation between Ukraine’s defense industry and European partners.
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Ukraine is now the seventh country to possess operational laser weapons, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, South Korea, and Israel. (Picture source: British MoD)

Colonel Sukharevskyi stated that the system is functional and confirmed ongoing efforts to scale and strengthen its capabilities. He said, “Today, we can already shoot down aircraft [understood to mean drones, author's note] at an altitude of more than 2 kilometers with this laser.” Ukrainian analysts have compared the Tryzub's performance to existing Western systems. The U.S. AN/SEQ-3 LaWS laser weapon operates at a range of 1.6 kilometers with a power output of 50 kW, while the British DragonFire achieves 55 kW power output and accuracy within 23 millimeters at a range of 1 kilometer. Experts note that reaching an effective range of 2 kilometers generally requires a power output of at least 50 kW and stable beam control to target moving aerial objects. The German Rheinmetall laser weapon demonstrated similar power levels during tests in the early 2010s, successfully engaging UAVs at 2 kilometers.

Army Recognition also previously identified the DragonFire system as a candidate for potential testing in Ukraine due to its specifications. On October 11, 2024, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed the potential provision of the British DragonFire laser weapon system with UK Defense Secretary John Healey. DragonFire, developed by a consortium including MBDA UK, Leonardo UK, QinetiQ, and Dstl, uses beam-combining technology for precision targeting. It has demonstrated the ability to strike a one-pound coin at 1 kilometer with an estimated operational cost of approximately £10 per shot. Originally scheduled for deployment in 2027, efforts are ongoing to accelerate production to address immediate operational needs, particularly against aerial threats such as drones. Tests conducted in Scotland validated the system's ability to track and neutralize moving targets.

Alongside the Tryzub, Ukraine has introduced the “mother drone” system, which carries two FPV (First Person View) drones. These systems can operate at ranges exceeding 70 kilometers and are designed for both strike missions and communication relay roles. Colonel Sukharevskyi highlighted the system’s role in enabling long-range operations and described scaling the program as a priority for further development.

The Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), established on June 11, 2024, is the first military branch globally dedicated to drone operations across air, ground, and maritime domains. Led by Colonel Sukharevskyi, the USF operates both combat and research units and is actively engaged along the frontline. The branch is likely contributing to the development of systems like the Tryzub laser weapon and the “mother drone,” reflecting Ukraine's emphasis on unmanned and autonomous technologies.

The confirmation of Ukraine’s laser weapon comes amid global advancements in directed-energy systems. The United States has fielded its Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) for counter-drone operations in the Middle East. The United Kingdom has tested the Dragonfire laser weapon mounted on armored vehicles, with plans for operational deployment. Israel’s Iron Beam laser system is designed to intercept short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar rounds, with deployment expected by late 2025. South Korea is preparing to field its Skylight Block-I laser weapon to counter drones, with reported operational costs of $1.45 per shot. China is advancing its high-powered microwave weapons, reportedly intended to disrupt satellite communications. France’s HELMA-P system has undergone multiple tests, including onboard trials on the air defense frigate Forbin in June 2023.

The confirmation of the Tryzub laser weapon existence and its deployment highlight Ukraine’s efforts to respond to the Russian large-scale drone attacks against the country, which have so far involved hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). On November 26, 2024, Russia deployed a record 188 drones targeting 17 regions across Ukraine. This marked a rise in the scale of drone operations, with daily averages increasing from approximately 64 UAVs in early October to over 91 UAVs following the U.S. presidential election in early November. The escalation highlights the growing aerial threat, requiring enhanced air defense measures to protect Ukrainian infrastructure and population.

While Ukraine has announced the development of the Tryzub laser weapon system, capable of downing aerial targets at altitudes exceeding 2 kilometers, no images or technical specifications have been publicly shared to confirm its operational status. In the absence of independent verification or visual evidence, the current status and capabilities of the Tryzub system remain unconfirmed, warranting a cautious assessment.