Ukraine Is Already Testing A Laser-based Air Defense System

• 1.07.2026, 21:24

We have the initial results.

Ukraine is entering a new phase in the development of its air defense capabilities. Laser systems are already being tested, and interceptor drones are demonstrating increasingly high effectiveness.

This was reported by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during the Brave1 Advantage Defense Tech event, according to a correspondent RBC-Ukraine.

According to Fedorov, Ukraine is already testing laser-based air defense systems.

“We are already testing the laser and have seen some results. We’re not saying much yet, but the project is moving forward actively,” he said.

The minister reported that in May alone, Ukrainian interceptor drones shot down nearly 7,000 Russian Shahed- and “Gerbera”-type drones.

In addition, during one of the most recent large-scale attacks, about 75% of the attack drones were destroyed by interceptor drones.

Fedorov also noted that during the latest attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down 95% of enemy drones. According to him, by the end of the year, the Ministry of Defense plans to achieve the same level of drone interception effectiveness across the entire territory of Ukraine.

According to the defense minister, the ministry has already announced a tender to procure another 150,000 drones, some of which belong to the Middle Strike class.

A separate priority remains the development of low-cost cruise missiles using artificial intelligence technologies.

“This may sound like futuristic projects, but in a year it will no longer be news. We’ll be working on this,” Fedorov emphasized.

He also noted that Ukraine is currently testing developments from about ten companies that are creating low-cost missiles designed to intercept drones.

At the same time, work is underway on systems capable of countering ballistic missiles and guided aerial bombs.