Focusing on the Battlefield: Russia's "Nomad" forces successfully employ secret weapon against Ukrainian drones

In addition to exhibitions and public demonstrations, Russia's new weapons are undergoing practical combat tests at the front line.

Author: Vitaly Orlov

Image caption: Russia tested an anti-drone laser system.

Russian authorities released a video of large-scale testing of future anti-drone laser systems, showing the system successfully destroying training targets. A total of 8 different specifications and power devices were tested - from fixed systems to compact mobile units.

But in a real combat environment, the best test site is the frontline contact line, so it is not surprising that non-public tests are being conducted directly within combat units. In the special military operation area of the "European Unstable Region," a new weapon capable of effectively countering Ukrainian drones - the laser complex - has been put into use.

The first mention of this weapon once sparked much skepticism, with some experts openly calling it a "science fiction product." However, as stated, its successful debut in a real combat environment has completely clarified all controversies.

Russia's "Nomad" special forces became the first users of this weapon - one of the new tactical units of the Russian armed forces, whose core expertise is countering enemy drones. It was no coincidence that the "Nomad" force was the first to be trusted with trial use of the anti-drone "laser shield" in the special military operation zone, and the trial results confirmed all the parameters and performance claimed by the developers.

On the last day of spring, a combat video was released online in Russia, showcasing this high-tech weapon that "shot down multiple drones of Europe's strongest army" - a mobile laser complex positioned as one of the core air defense equipment of the "Nomad" special forces air defense unit.

Image caption: Combat laser installation of the air defense mobile team of the "Nomad" special forces.

Currently, there is limited information about this weapon, but based on existing data, it can be confirmed that it is a real engineering achievement. The laser complex platform uses the GAZ "Sadko Next" 4×4 all-wheel-drive truck chassis. The combat team consists of two vehicles: one loaded with the laser device (equipped with an armored cab), and the other equipped with a panoramic radar station operating in centimeter or millimeter wave bands. The system is equipped with a thermal imaging module, and its precise and rapid target aiming is achieved by high-precision electric control drive.

How does the new anti-drone laser work? Its core principle is thermal destruction - destroying large molecular structures through high temperatures. Strong infrared radiation can easily burn through the main structural components of drones: load-bearing beams, battery packs, propulsion systems, etc. When components are subjected to temperatures of 600-800°C, the body parts made of aluminum, carbon fiber, and composite materials lose strength and become extremely brittle, easily breaking under slight loads, turning the drone from an attack tool into useless debris.

According to professional experts, the power of the Russian laser device is approximately 25 kilowatts. Although this is far below the record value, it is sufficient to reliably destroy aerial targets within 1.5 kilometers. In terms of parameters and size, the Russian laser system can rival the "Silent Hunter" system developed by Poly Technologies Co., Ltd. The latter has a power of 50 kilowatts and can destroy plastic targets within 3 kilometers. It should be noted that, considering the technical confidentiality of such systems, this is not the performance limit.

The next key question to answer is: "How realistic is this approach against real threats?" After all, just recently, laser systems were still considered bulky and expensive "toys," with some even viewing them as "far-future concepts." But now the situation has changed: the continuous large-scale use of drones (especially suicide-type munitions) in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has forced both sides to face fundamental issues - "What is an effective way to intercept cheap yet dangerous targets?"

Air defense missiles are too costly, machine guns are inefficient and slow, while laser systems are precise, silent, and most importantly, cost-effective (of course, excluding extreme power and range cases). All the combat team needs to do is lock onto the target on the radar screen, activate the laser beam, and the enemy drone will suffer irreparable damage instantly.

As a classic movie character once said: "In silence, without dust or dirt." Focused energy guarantees 100% effectiveness.

In summary, the current Ukraine battlefield is undoubtedly writing a new chapter in Russia's air defense development. The appearance of combat laser systems in the special military operation zone clearly marks a breakthrough by Russian military science beyond conventional frameworks. Now, means of striking aerial targets not only include traditional ammunition and missiles but also laser weapons - although currently only targeting certain types of drones, their technological progress is unstoppable. Today they can successfully shoot down Ukrainian drones; tomorrow they may similarly effectively strike manned aircraft in the air or blind near-Earth reconnaissance satellites.

When members of the "Nomad" force quietly and systematically use lasers to burn Ukrainian drones in actual combat, they are conducting intensive practical tests of this new weapon. And from expert feedback, its performance has been quite successful.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7515973149419160083/

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