RTR3D9C8.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
China has successfully completed the testing of its own laser defense system against small-scale low-altitude drones, according to state-based media Xinhua.
In a statement issued by the China Academy of Engineering Physics, which co-developed the project, the defense system is said to be capable of destorying small aircraft within a two-kilometer radius within five seconds of pinpointing the target, Xinhua reported on Sunday.
News of the successful testing followed the scrutiny of China's ability to fight and win a war in state media.
Last month, a front-page article in China's official military newspaper, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily, pointed to 40 weaknesses in the military's current training methods, which were said to pose a threat to its capability.
President Xi Jinping has been urging a strengthened fighting ability for China armed forces, which are made up of 2.3 million personnel, the world's biggest. The pressure is due to the country's goal of asserting power over maritime territories which it is fighting for against East and Southeast Asian countries.
For this purpose, China has developed stealth jets and built one aircraft carrier.
The laser defense system, meanwhile, can fell small-scale drones within an altitude of 500 meters and at speeds below 50 meters per second.
"Intercepting such drones is usually the work of snipers and helicopters, but their success rate is not as high and mistakes with accuracy can result in unwanted damage," said Yi Jinsong, a manager involved with the defense system project.
