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TechHanwha unveils armored vehicle with 50 kW counter-drone laser at Polish defense show
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At the MSPO defense industry show in Kielce, Poland, South Korea's Hanwha Systems announced plans to build an armored vehicle equipped with a 50 kW laser for countering drones. The vehicle, based on the Tigon eight-wheel-drive armored personnel carrier, features a more powerful version of the stationary Cheongwang laser that has protected South Korea's presidential compound since 2024. Company manager Hyungun Park stated that each laser shot costs approximately $1.5, making it a highly cost-effective solution. Hanwha is in talks with potential clients from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A prototype has been developed, with serial production planned by the end of 2027. The announcement targets NATO eastern flank countries seeking inexpensive counter-drone capabilities.
Source report
KIELCE, Poland — As Poland and other NATO eastern flank countries seek cost-effective solutions to bolster their counter-drone capabilities, South Korea’s Hanwha is pitching a new mobile laser system to militaries across the region.
Speaking on the opening day of the annual MSPO defense industry show in Kielce, Poland, company representatives announced a 50 kW laser mounted on an armored vehicle. The system features an upgraded version of the stationary Cheongwang laser, which has been in service with South Korea’s military since 2024.
Cheongwang has been deployed at strategically important sites, including near the Blue House — the office and residence of South Korea’s president.
Export Talks Underway
“We are currently in talks with a number of countries over potential exports of the Cheongwang laser, including potential clients from Europe, Asia and the Middle East,” said Hyungun Park, manager of the laser system business team at Hanwha Systems.
Park highlighted a key advantage of the system: each laser shot costs approximately 2,000 Korean won ($1.50), making it a highly cost-efficient counter-drone weapon.
Mobile Platform Development
To meet military demand for a mobile laser solution capable of tracking fast-moving targets, Hanwha integrated its laser technology with a wheeled platform — the Tigon eight-wheel-drive armored personnel carrier.
“Our new product is the 50 kW Laser Armored Vehicle. We have developed a prototype, and we plan to launch serial production of this vehicle by the end of 2027,” the executive said.
About the Author
Jaroslaw Adamowski is the Poland correspondent for Defense News.
Source
Defense NewsWestern
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Hanwha unveils 50 kW laser-armed armored vehicle for counter-drone missions at Polish defense show