TECHNOLOGY: Russia Reveals Unique Laser Anti-Drone Rifle Offering Silent Precision Defense.

According to information published by Russian media, on June 2, 2025, during a defense conference recently held in St. Petersburg, Russia unveiled a new directed-energy weapon identified as a laser anti-drone rifle. This innovative system immediately attracted strong attention from military specialists and defense analysts for its potential to transform frontline drone defense radically. Designed specifically to counter the growing threat of small unmanned aerial vehicles, the new laser rifle introduces a new dimension of portability, precision, and stealth in laser-based warfare.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Russian-made laser anti-drone rifle displayed during a defense conference in St Petersburg, designed for silent precision targeting of FPV First Person View and kamikaze drones at close range. (Picture source: Russian media)

The new Russian-made laser anti-drone rifle has an effective engagement range of 500 m. It is purpose-built to neutralize first-person view (FPV) drones, which have become one of the most dangerous and cost-effective offensive tools in modern conflicts, particularly in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. With battlefield skies increasingly saturated by low-cost drones used for reconnaissance and kamikaze strikes, the demand for efficient, affordable, and rapid-response countermeasures has intensified. Traditional air defense systems are often economically unsustainable when engaging inexpensive aerial threats, which has prompted a global shift toward compact and precise laser solutions.

Operating through thermal ablation, the weapon's high-energy laser beam can rapidly heat the surface of a drone, melting its exterior structure and destroying key internal components in a matter of seconds. In cases involving suicide drones, the beam can trigger midair detonation of their warheads, neutralizing the threat before impact and significantly reducing collateral damage. Russian developers have underlined the cost-efficiency of this system, which requires no physical ammunition, offers minimal maintenance demands, and enables a high number of engagements per charge.

One of the most notable features of the laser anti-drone rifle is its tactical stealth. The beam is invisible to the naked eye, produces no flame or radar-emitting signal, and generates noise under 40 decibels, making it quieter than a whisper. This ensures its operations remain completely undetected by opposing forces. In many cases, enemy drone operators simply witness their control feed cut off, without any awareness of the source of interference. Russian engineers describe this effect as "silent hunting," a tactical advantage highly prized in today's contested environments.

From an operational standpoint, the laser rifle is designed for infantry deployment. It is lightweight, recoil-free, and ergonomically optimized, requiring no specialized training or significant physical strength. Its plug-and-play functionality allows rapid adaptation in high-mobility units. Currently, it is the only publicly displayed portable laser anti-UAV weapon in Russia and remains in a testing phase. However, its expected deployment will focus on close-range engagements where rapid interception is vital.

The development of this laser anti-drone rifle is directly influenced by the operational challenges observed during the Russia–Ukraine war, where the widespread use of FPV and kamikaze drones by both sides has pushed conventional air defense systems to their limits. Portable directed-energy weapons offer a scalable, low-cost alternative to missile-based interceptors and electronic warfare systems. They provide soldiers on the ground with immediate, accurate, and silent engagement capabilities against aerial threats that continue to grow in number and sophistication.

As the nature of drone warfare advances, Russia’s introduction of this laser anti-drone rifle marks a significant leap in its military modernization efforts. Its combination of stealth, precision, and economy positions it as a promising asset in future conflict zones. Defense observers will closely follow its field performance and potential mass deployment as Russia seeks to integrate advanced directed-energy systems into its frontline combat units.