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TechHanwha unveils 50 kW vehicle-mounted counter-drone laser for export markets
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South Korea's Hanwha Systems announced at the MSPO defense industry show in Kielce, Poland, on September 8, 2026, that it is developing a new mobile counter-drone system: a 50 kW laser mounted on a Tigon eight-wheel-drive armored personnel carrier. The vehicle, called the 50 kW Laser Armored Vehicle, is based on the stationary Cheongwang laser system that has been deployed by South Korea's military since 2024 to protect strategic sites, including the presidential Blue House. Hanwha representatives stated that a prototype has been developed and serial production is planned by the end of 2027. The company is in talks with potential clients from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A key selling point is the low cost per shot, approximately 2,000 Korean won ($1.5), making it a cost-efficient solution for countering drones, particularly relevant for NATO's eastern flank countries like Poland.
Source report
KIELCE, Poland — As Poland and other NATO eastern flank countries seek affordable solutions to strengthen their counter-drone capabilities, South Korea’s Hanwha is introducing a new mobile laser system to militaries across the region: a 50 kW laser mounted on an armored vehicle.
Speaking on September 8, the opening day of the annual MSPO defense industry exhibition in Kielce, Poland, company representatives confirmed that the vehicle is equipped with 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.
“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.
Cost-Effective Drone Defense
Park noted that one of the Cheongwang system’s key advantages is its low operating cost. Each laser shot costs approximately 2,000 Korean won (about $1.50), making it a highly cost-efficient weapon for countering drones.
Mobile Platform for Fast-Moving Targets
To meet military demand for a mobile laser solution capable of tracking fast-moving targets, Hanwha has 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.
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Hanwha unveils 50 kW laser-armed armored vehicle for counter-drone missions at Polish defense show