French-made laser 'paints' targets for pinpoint guided weapons strikes

French UAV payload maker Merio has developed the Milvus, a compact and lightweight laser designation system designed to be mounted on drones. This device uses a laser to "paint" or illuminate targets from a distance, enabling precision-guided weapons such as laser-guided bombs, missiles, or smart artillery shells to strike with high accuracy. Traditionally, laser designators were operated by ground troops or manned aircraft, requiring personnel to be close to the target and exposed to danger. Merio’s innovation moves this capability to unmanned drones, allowing remote target marking that enhances soldier safety and operational effectiveness. The Milvus gimbal integrates electro-optical and infrared sensors, a laser designator, a 12 km laser rangefinder, and high-zoom cameras within a lightweight 2.8 kg unit. When mounted on a UAV, it can detect and track targets day or night and share targeting data with other platforms such as aircraft, artillery, or ships, enabling a connected, networked kill chain. Developed