DAPA successfully develops key part in laser-based antidrone system

The state arms procurement agency said on Monday that it has successfully developed a key component used in its laser-based antidrone air defense weapon system through local technology with improved performance.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said that it succeeded in developing the laser oscillator for Block-I, which is capable of launching precision strikes against small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in late May.

The project was carried out by the Agency for Defense Development under DAPA and in partnership with Hanwha Systems. 

Block-I, nicknamed Cheongwang, was deployed for operational use in late 2024. It uses a high-powered fiber laser to neutralize hostile drones and UAVs.

With the latest feat, the domestic parts ratio of Block-I has increased to 90 percent from 76 percent, according to DAPA. The locally developed laser oscillator will be used in the production of future units.

The domestically developed laser oscillator delivers more than 50 percent improvements in key areas, including output power, the agency said.

According to DAPA, the achievement is expected to strengthen the military's independent response capabilities against growing drone and UAV threats.

“Through the future development project for Block-II, we plan to focus on increasing output and precision while reducing system size and weight,” it said.

Yonhap