Sun Dec 15 07:02:36 UTC 2024: ## Chinese Scientists Equip Drones with Metal-Cutting Laser Beams
**Beijing, China** – A team of Chinese scientists, led by Li Xiao (also known as “Crazy Li”) of the National University of Defence Technology, has achieved a significant breakthrough in drone technology. They have successfully equipped small, commercially available drones with the ability to emit powerful metal-cutting laser beams, a feat previously considered impossible. The research, published in the Chinese journal *Acta Armamentarii*, details the development of a system allowing a drone to act as a mobile laser weapon without needing to carry a bulky power source itself.
The system redirects a high-powered near-infrared laser beam from a ground station to the drone, enabling the emission of a 30kW laser beam, or even higher. This beam is capable of cutting through metal, significantly exceeding the power of lasers previously used in similar applications. The researchers overcame a key challenge: minimizing the scattering of the laser beam caused by drone vibrations through the use of advanced vibration isolation technology.
This innovation could have significant implications for military applications. The study envisions scenarios where a single drone could neutralize a squad of soldiers. Future applications could involve multiple drones working in coordination, with drones identifying targets and requesting laser illumination from the ground station for enhanced speed and efficiency.
Currently, deploying such high-powered lasers requires large, truck-mounted equipment. This new technology miniaturizes the system, allowing for deployment on smaller, more maneuverable platforms. However, the development also raises concerns about the implications for military strategy and international arms control, requiring global consideration as the technology progresses from research to potential deployment.
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