In a recent publication, Russia disclosed new information about its mystery ground-based laser weapon system, called the Peresvet.
The system, highlighted in the latest issue of “Army Digest,” is designed to protect strategically important areas and assets, including missile divisions, from enemy optical-electronic reconnaissance satellites.
Peresvet operates autonomously to neutralize enemy reconnaissance satellites by emitting powerful laser beams. The laser system is capable of affecting satellites at altitudes ranging from 200 to 1,100 kilometers, with a coverage diameter of 130 to 180 kilometers. It offers 360-degree azimuth coverage and can engage targets within a 21 to 155-degree elevation angle.
The primary mission of Peresvet is to obscure the maneuvering of mobile ground missile complexes, creating uncertainty about their true positions and disrupting enemy reconnaissance efforts. This technology enhances Russia’s strategic defense capabilities by ensuring the concealment and protection of critical military movements and installations.
The Peresvet system began equipping the Russian Armed Forces in 2017 and took over experimental combat duty on December 1, 2018. President Putin announced that the Peresvet complexes would enter service in December 2019.
On December 1, 2019, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed that Peresvet was deployed with five Strategic Missile Forces divisions.
