Drones Down? Russia's Secret Weapon Against Ukraine, Chinese Laser Defense System
In a notable development, Russia is reportedly employing laser weapons of Chinese origin to counteract unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Get the lowdown on the stealthy Silent Hunter, a Chinese-made laser weapon reportedly in Russia's arsenal for taking out Ukrainian drones.
Wanted: A Solution for Drone Threats
Rumors hint at a Chinese laser anti-aircraft system called Silent Hunter aiding Russia in crushing Ukrainian drone invasions. The Ukrainian military blog Militarnyi sparked the chatter with a video showcasing the deployment of this impressive gadget by a Russian special unit.
Meet the Silent Hunter
At the heart of this laser system lies a turret cannon, packing a 30-kilowatt fiber laser that could potentially be mounted on a vehicle. The Silent Hunter also sports a radar and a command station to detect, track, and target drones, with an estimated range of four kilometers. Think of it as a fancy drone-hunting robot!
Tested and Proven
According to military analyst blog Vodogray, the Silent Hunter has likely been in Russian service since at least October 2024, handling the likes of Shchedryk and Skywalker X8 drones, along with drone decoys, during its test trials and real-life takedowns.
The Silent Hunter: A Global VIP List
This laser system has also been celebrated by Iran and Saudi Arabia, making it an international sensation, revealed at a trade fair in Abu Dhabi way back in 2017.
A Beware for Ukraine
In the middle of April 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at potential Chinese weapon transfers to Russia, a claim which China swiftly denied. As of now, there's no concrete evidence to confirm these suspicions.
Stay Tuned
The use of the Silent Hunter by Russia is still a developing story, with more revelations expected to surface in the near future. Stay updated for the latest details on this intriguing battlefield asset!
- Russia
- China
- Ukraine
- Attack on Ukraine
- Drones
- Military
Enrichment Data:
The Silent Hunter laser anti-aircraft system, known as the Shen-Nong 3000 or LASS, was initially developed and introduced by China as a high-energy laser weapon primarily intended for countering drone and precision-guided munition threats[3][1]. Reports of its alleged use by Russia emerged in late May and early June 2025 through pro-Kremlin media and military channels, with its first documented deployment confirmed within Russia's air defense forces and the OSpN "Kochevnik" special operations group[5][2][4]. The system's original presentation and public demonstrations were carried out in China as part of their laser weapons development programs[3][1]. Additionally, the Silent Hunter boasts a diverse roster of users, with confirmed use by Iran and Saudi Arabia alongside China and Russia [6].
- The Silent Hunter, a high-energy laser weapon originally developed by China, has allegedly been used by Russia to counter drone threats during the attack on Ukraine, as suggested by pro-Kremlin media and military channels in late May and early June 2025.
- The Silent Hunter, also known as the Shen-Nong 3000 or LASS, has a wide range of users, including China, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing its global relevance in military technology.
- With the Silent Hunter reportedly deployed by Russia's air defense forces and the OSpN "Kochevnik" special operations group, the technology can potentially have a significant impact on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, leading to interesting developments in politics, technology, and war-and-conflicts.
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