A newly developed Chinese laser air defense system was spotted being transported on a highway, drawing attention to Beijing’s growing investment in directed-energy weapons.
Bystanders captured footage showing the new laser system, also known as OW5-A10 export name, mounted on a three-axle Dongfeng Mengshi chassis.
Chinese sources describe the system as capable of emitting a 10-kilowatt laser beam, reportedly sufficient to disable or destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within seconds. The system is designed for rapid response against low-altitude, slow-moving threats, and is optimized for neutralizing drone swarms.
Unlike traditional kinetic interception methods, laser weapons offer lower per-shot costs, faster engagement timelines, and minimal collateral damage. The OW5-A10 appears tailored to provide persistent defense against mass drone attacks, especially in urban or forward-operating environments where traditional interceptors may be less effective.
Chinese defense commentators say the system can operate continuously if connected to a stable power source, requiring minimal maintenance and offering a high engagement rate.
“The system is capable of striking targets almost instantly after detection,” one analysis noted.
Media outlets affiliated with Chinese defense exporters have also claimed that a similar type of laser weapon, reportedly delivered to Saudi Arabia, achieved high performance on the battlefield. In one engagement, the system was credited with downing more than a dozen drones operated by Houthi forces. Saudi government sources were said to have formally recognized the weapon’s success, though independent verification remains limited.
Beijing has been actively developing and exporting a range of laser systems as alternatives to traditional missile-based solutions.
The ability to reliably destroy aerial targets with precision energy weapons, particularly at low cost, could shift the balance of short-range air defense in future conflicts.