China unveils portable AI-powered anti-drone laser for a single soldier

At the recent Beijing International Defense and Security Exhibition, Chinese company Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology presented a 2 kW portable anti-drone laser that can be carried by a single soldier. According to Tom's Hardware, the system weighs approximately 25 kg (55 pounds) and is the size of a backpack. It uses artificial intelligence for target acquisition and tracking, and can pierce a drone at 1,600 feet (about 500 meters) in four seconds. The company also showcased a 10 kW vehicle-mounted model, but the main focus was the portable version.

This development represents a milestone in the miniaturization of directed energy weapons. Until now, anti-drone lasers required vehicles or fixed platforms due to their size and power needs. For example, the Israeli Iron Beam system has a power of 100 kW but is mounted on a vehicle, and the US SHIELD (Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator) system is integrated into aircraft. The ability of a single soldier to carry and operate a 2 kW laser changes anti-drone defense tactics, offering a portable and effective solution against drone swarms. The integration of AI enables precise targeting and reduces the operator's cognitive load, automating detection and tracking of multiple targets simultaneously.

The historical context of laser weapons dates back to the 1960s, with projects like the US Airborne Laser Laboratory. However, only in recent years have significant advances been made in power and miniaturization. In 2023, the UK tested the 50 kW DragonFire laser, capable of downing a drone in seconds, but it still requires a vehicle. The Chinese 2 kW laser, though lower in power, prioritizes portability, which could be decisive in asymmetric conflicts where modified commercial drones are a growing threat. According to data from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), drone use in conflicts like Ukraine has increased by 500% since 2020, underscoring the urgency of portable countermeasures.

The impact on businesses and users is twofold. For the military sector, this laser allows infantry units to protect themselves without relying on vehicle-mounted systems, reducing vulnerability in rapid deployments. For the civilian sector, the proliferation of unauthorized drones at airports and mass events (such as the 2018 Gatwick Airport closure) demands solutions like this. However, real-world effectiveness depends on battery capacity and thermal management, aspects not detailed by the manufacturer. 2 kW systems typically require high-energy-density batteries or external power sources, limiting field autonomy. Additionally, heat dissipation is a key technical challenge, as lasers generate residual heat that can degrade performance or require bulky cooling systems.

From a geopolitical perspective, China strengthens its position in advanced defense technology, competing with the US (SHIELD system), Israel (Iron Beam), and Europe (TALOS project). This advance could accelerate the adoption of portable laser weapons in asymmetric conflicts, where modified commercial drones are a growing threat. However, real-world effectiveness depends on battery capacity and thermal management, aspects not detailed by the manufacturer. Compared to systems like the Israeli Iron Beam (100 kW but vehicle-mounted), the Chinese laser prioritizes portability over power. In terms of cost, solid-state lasers like this have a very low cost per shot (electricity), but initial development and production are high, which could limit mass adoption in the short term.

For readers, it is important to note that the weapon is in the demonstration phase; there is no deployment date. AI is key for target tracking, but the system still requires human supervision. The cost and logistics of recharging have not been disclosed. This is an example of how AI and directed energy converge to create new military capabilities. Additionally, the presentation at a defense fair suggests China seeks international customers, which could disrupt the global anti-drone defense market. According to a MarketsandMarkets report, the directed energy weapons market will grow from $5 billion in 2024 to $12 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 19%. This portable laser could capture a significant share of that market if it overcomes technical and logistical challenges.