South Korea will invest KRW88 billion (USD74 million) to develop a laser-based anti-aircraft weapon system, according to a 17 September statement by the country’s Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA).
The new laser-based system, which is drastically cheaper than the Iron Dome system, is built for the interception of RAM (rocket, mortar, and artillery) threats, drones and anti-tank missiles.
The "Lahav Or" (Light Blade) laser system, designed to intercept airborne incendiary threats launched from the Gaza Strip, is deployed by the Border Police for the first time on Tuesday.
The Air Force is in the market for upgrades to its counter-drone technologies, according to an Oct. 16 request for information posted on a federal contracting website.
The service is in the early stages of deploying lasers, microwaves, and other weapons more advanced than a shotgun to deal with potentially threatening drones loitering around bases. In particular, the RFI is looking for ideas to fend off the smallest unmanned aerial systems like quadcopters.