Laser weapon systems are no longer just the imagination of science fiction or children's cartoons. It has been developed by several countries over the past decade as an alternative to expensive conventional weapons. South Korea announced yesterday that they will be the first country to use a laser system to repel drone attacks from North Korea.
This laser system has been developed by Hanwha Aerospace since 2019 with this program costing KRW87 billion (~RM 295 million). The cost for each shot is also cheap around KRW2000 (~RM 6.80) which is the same as the cost of a cup of premium coffee in Malaysia. South Korea hopes the system will be operational before the end of 2024.
The recent drone attacks from North Korea hastened the need for the deterrent system to be activated immediately. In last month's attack, expensive fighter jets and missiles were used to shoot down cheap drones.
In addition to South Korea, the United States and Israel also have similar laser defense systems. Israel previously claimed that their laser dome system would be operational in 2022 but so far that has not happened. The cost of the Iron Beam system by Elbit System is more expensive which is around RM15 for each shot.