Russia's Laser Weapons Are Accused of Just Propaganda

 


Russia seems to be using its invasion of Ukraine to try out the latest technology on the battlefield. Reportedly Russia deployed a new laser weapon to destroy the drones. However, the claim of the greatness of this laser weapon is considered only propaganda.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said an earlier laser weapon called the Peresvet had been used and could blind satellites 1,500 km from Earth. Russia claims to have deployed laser weapons more sophisticated than the Peresvet and is claimed to be able to burn drones and other objects. According to him, this laser weapon can burn drones up to 5 km in 5 seconds.


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with ridicule. "The clearer it is that they have no chance of winning in the war, the more propaganda about this extraordinary weapon will be very powerful to ensure a turning point," Zelensky said in his speech.



Missile defense expert Dr Uzi Rubin of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS) stated that such laser weapons are not very effective at the moment.


"Zalensky is right, this weapon is not extraordinary. It takes a few seconds to shoot a drone. There is a much better way than that, using a Stinger or other anti-aircraft missile it will be cheaper, faster and have a long range," he said.


Laser weapons work by delivering infrared rays that heat the target until it burns. But Dr Rubin said the power of even the most advanced laser weapons was still weak to make a difference on the battlefield and the killing power was low.



"It's not like Star Wars where they aim at the enemy and quickly press a button until they explode. In fact, it's more like a microwave. If you want to boil water, it takes time. Laser is the same. It is fired at the target and waits for it to heat up and destroys it," he explained. .


As quoted from the BBC, laser weapons can only focus on one target at a time. Though the missile system can target multiple targets simultaneously.


Another drawback, laser weapons can be paralyzed in bad weather. This weapon does not work in rain or snow and can not penetrate clouds.

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