This military drone reflects a laser capable of cutting metal and attacking the enemy 💥

Amidst the ruins of a battlefield, an almost invisible drone silently hovers in the sky. Within seconds, metal antennas melt under intense heat. A laser beam, relayed from the ground, has just sliced through steel with extreme precision.

This scenario, once confined to science fiction, now seems to be a reality according to information reported by the *South China Morning Post*. Under the direction of Chinese researcher Li Xiao, nicknamed "Crazy Li," a team claims to have developed a device capable of arming small drones with laser beams powerful enough to cut through metal.


The announced innovation relies on a compact and lightweight system, addressing the limitations imposed by the size of traditional energy-based lasers.

Until now, producing a high-intensity laser beam required massive equipment, often mounted on a truck. Li Xiao and his team deviated from this standard by creating a reflection system. Instead of carrying the energy source, the drone redirects a laser sent from a ground station. This process not only saves weight but also achieves a power output exceeding 30 kW.

The system operates using two tubes resembling household telescopes. The first captures the laser beam from the ground, while the second redirects it toward the target. The entire setup is controlled by ultra-precise servomechanisms, alongside high-performance reflective mirrors to maintain the beam's stability.

The main challenge lay in the vibrations caused by the drone's flight. These vibrations risk dispersing the beam and diminishing its precision. To address this issue, researchers developed advanced vibration isolation and optical stabilization solutions. This ensures a stable trajectory even under turbulent flight conditions.

The team is already envisioning a collaborative use of these drones. Flying in squadrons, they could detect targets and then request laser illumination from the ground for rapid and precise strikes. Their ability to bypass obstacles such as buildings and target vulnerable points enhances their operational potential.

These advances stem from recent technological progress in laser telecommunications and precise synchronization between mobile systems. China, a pioneer with the launch of its quantum satellite in 2016, has paved the way for applications that were previously unimaginable.

However, the implications of such technology raise major questions. These laser-equipped drones could radically transform military strategies while introducing new challenges related to arms regulation. Between scientific achievement and international concerns, the development of such weapons remains under close scrutiny.