Block-I Laser System: South Korean Technological Breakthrough to Counter Low-Cost Drones at KADEX 2024.

At the KADEX 2024 exhibition in South Korea, the presentation of the Block-I laser system marks a turning point in anti-drone defense capabilities. This system, developed by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), was designed to neutralize small drones and multicopters at short range using high-precision laser technology. The Block-I stands out due to its low operational cost, with each shot estimated to cost only $1.50.
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The presentation of the Block-I laser system at KADEX2024. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The system measures 9 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 3 meters high, and consists of a structure resembling a shipping container with a laser mounted on top, along with a tracking or radar device positioned on the side. This invisible and silent technology represents a major advancement in the field of energy weapons, requiring neither separate ammunition nor reloading, only continuous electrical power.

Developed over five years with an investment of more than $63 million, the Block-I successfully passed live-fire tests in April 2023, achieving a 100% success rate in destroying its targets. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to quickly shoot down drones, a growing threat in many recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. These drones, sometimes purchased online at low prices, have proven their capacity to cause significant damage to expensive military equipment such as tanks, making the development of economical and efficient defense systems essential.

The Block-I fits this logic by offering a low-cost solution against cheap drones, compared to current defense systems that rely on missiles or other technologies, each costing tens of thousands of dollars per strike. In a context where the increasing use of drones is shifting the economic balance between offense and defense, this system could transform how militaries respond to these threats.

South Korea has now become the first country to publicly admit it will deploy a mass-produced laser system, a milestone in anti-drone defense. Over time, DAPA plans to develop a Block-II system with improved range and power, capable of targeting larger threats such as aircraft and ballistic missiles, promising to become a key component of future air defense systems.

This development is part of a global trend where several nations are investing in directed-energy weapons. Countries like the United Kingdom and the United States have also developed prototypes of laser systems, but none have yet announced large-scale production or deployment. For example, the British Dragonfire system, recently presented, aims to defend against missiles and aircraft at a cost of around $13 per shot, though no service entry date has been confirmed.

The Block-I, however, is ready to enter production and be deployed, positioning South Korea as a pioneer in this technological domain. Its ability to provide low-cost air defense could not only protect its infrastructure and equipment but also become an attractive export for countries facing similar threats.