Hanwha Systems' Laser Anti-Aircraft Weapon Achieves 100% Interception Rate in Two Demonstrations

Intercepted all three drones during Army training
Also intercepted six drones and UAVs last September
2,000 won per shot... targets overseas markets

A laser anti-aircraft weapon that Hanwha Systems helped develop successfully intercepted all three drones during an Army training exercise.

Cheongwang, the Block-I laser anti-aircraft weapon, demonstrates drone interception during the Army TIGER PLUS Future Warfare Integrated Combat Training hosted by Army Headquarters on the 14th. Hanwha Systems

Hanwha Systems said on October 15 that it had successfully demonstrated drone interception using the Cheongwang laser anti-aircraft weapon and a combat vehicle-mounted high-energy laser cannon at the “Army TIGER Plus Future Warfare Integrated Combat Training,” held on October 14 under the auspices of Army Headquarters.

More than 500 people attended the training, including Army Chief of Staff Kim Gyuha, other military officials, and experts from industry, academia, and research institutions. Cheongwang and the 30-kW combat vehicle-mounted laser cannon intercepted all three drones used in the demonstration.

Cheongwang is the world's first laser anti-aircraft weapon to be deployed for operational use. It was developed by the Agency for Defense Development, with Hanwha Systems participating as the prototype contractor. Its advantages include a low cost of about 2,000 won per shot and the ability to operate on electricity alone, without requiring a separate ammunition supply.

The combat vehicle-mounted high-energy laser cannon demonstrated alongside Cheongwang is a 30-kW mobile weapon system developed under Hanwha Systems' lead. It incorporates compact, lightweight major components and cooling technology to control heat generated during high-power operation.

Cheongwang also intercepted all four drones and two unmanned aerial vehicles at the 2026 Defense Drone Technology Show held last September. Hanwha Systems plans to develop a 50-kW laser-equipped armored vehicle with increased output for overseas markets by 2027.

As attacks using low-cost drones have increased on modern battlefields, the importance of laser anti-aircraft weapons, which cost less to operate than conventional guided missiles, has also grown. Hanwha Systems plans to target overseas markets with Cheongwang and its next-generation mobile laser weapons.

“Laser weapons are a key weapon system that will change the landscape of future air defense,” said Shin Juhun, head of Hanwha Systems' Laser Business Center. “We will aggressively pursue global markets with Cheongwang and our 50-kW laser-equipped armored vehicle.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.