Ukrainian UAV "screwed by laser", Russia launches weapon that changes the battlefield

For the first time in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, a long-range attack UAV has been shot down by a laser. This technological advance could be a game changer.

For the first time, there is real evidence that Russia used directed energy weapons to successfully shoot down a Ukrainian FP-1 “Deepstrike” long-range attack drone. This development not only marks a new technological step, but also poses a major challenge to Kiev’s deep strike strategy.

Images from military sources on social media, published by Vodohrai and Clash Report, show an FP-1 UAV being destroyed by an unidentified Russian laser system. While the weapon itself is not visible in the frame, the laser’s impact on the UAV is clear, with the aircraft’s structure melting and falling out of orbit.

The FP-1 “Deepstrike” is a one-way attack UAV developed by Ukraine, launched in May 2025. With the ability to carry a significant amount of explosives and fly deep into Russian territory, the FP-1 quickly became the main tool in raids against Russian industrial targets.

Previously, videos of Russian combat laser systems mainly came from field tests, in which the targets were often dummies or Russian-made UAVs. This made the observing community skeptical about the effectiveness of lasers in real combat, considering them a mere propaganda tool.

The laser system, believed to be LASS, has been featured in Chinese military posters. Some analysts believe the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics may have been involved in its development, opening up the possibility of bilateral technological cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.

In terms of parameters, LASS produces 10-20 kW of power, can destroy targets in about 10 seconds at a distance of 1.5 km and cause a blinding effect at 3 km. This range makes it an ideal choice for “mobile fire groups” specializing in intercepting low-altitude UAVs.

Despite its short range, lasers have the advantage of being accurate, not consuming traditional ammunition, and being able to operate continuously as long as there is enough power. In theory, this would allow an interceptor unit to engage multiple UAVs in quick succession, outperforming machine guns or small anti-aircraft guns, which are limited by ammunition.

The laser’s proven effectiveness in combat forced Ukraine to recalculate its tactics. The FP-1 UAVs, which were designed to optimize cost and quantity, now risk being easily destroyed, especially in heavily defended areas.

One possible adaptation would be to increase the speed and altitude of UAVs, similar to how Russia has improved the Shahed-136 to overcome Ukrainian air defenses. Alternatively, Kiev could shift its focus to cruise missiles or ballistic missiles—targets that are difficult for lasers to hit due to their speed and complex flight trajectory.

The emergence of lasers also reflects a global trend: military powers are increasingly turning to directed energy weapons to counter the threat from cheap but large numbers of UAVs. With a cost per shot of almost zero, lasers open up significant economic advantages in warfare of attrition.

Russia appears to be experimenting with deploying lasers not only at fixed points but also on mobile platforms, creating a flexible defense grid. If successful, this could significantly reduce the effectiveness of the long-range offensive campaign that Ukraine hopes will put constant pressure on the Russian rear.

This evidence not only removes doubts about the combat viability of Russian lasers, but also signals a new phase of the conflict, one in which advanced defense technology and tactical countermeasures will be constantly in flux. For Ukraine, this means it will need to rapidly expand its missile capabilities and reduce its reliance on cheap UAVs if it wants to maintain its advantage in deep strike warfare.

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