Sunray: Ukraine’s laser-based weapon system to counter Russian drones

Ukraine has developed a prototype laser-based weapon system called Sunray to counter Russian drone swarms in the ongoing conflict. Unlike expensive Western air-defense systems such as the US Patriot and Germany’s IRIS-T, which are designed to intercept advanced missiles, Sunray offers a cost-effective and scalable solution tailored to neutralize Russia’s use of cheaply made Iranian Shaheed drones. The system is compact enough to fit in a car trunk and can be operated from a pickup truck, using cameras to track targets and a silent laser cannon to burn drones midair, demonstrating an innovative approach to modern warfare. The development of Sunray reflects Ukraine’s strategic need to reduce dependence on costly foreign defense systems amid shifting geopolitical priorities of Western allies. While advanced laser weapons like Lockheed Martin’s $150 million HELIOS system exist, Ukraine’s engineers have created a far cheaper alternative that can be produced domestically and in partnership with international firms to ensure supply chain resilience. This approach not only addresses the economic inefficiency of using expensive missiles