Defense Ministry hints at laser weapons at Ramstein, raising questions
Laser anti-aircraft system (Illustrative photo: Defence Express)
Ukraine and Germany are preparing joint projects in the field of air defense related to laser weapons. The discussion will take place within the framework of the next Ramstein-format meeting, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
"Ukraine and Germany are preparing a number of joint projects to be implemented in the very near future," the statement said.
It is noted that the joint projects concern the following areas:
- Significant strengthening of air defense systems;
- Additional funding for the production of deep-strike and middle-strike drones;
- Development of joint technological solutions.
"Separately, the parties discussed the prospects for cooperation in the field of innovative laser weapons," the ministry added.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov later also noted separately that among the projects planned to be implemented together with Germany is laser weaponry.
"We are also developing cooperation in innovative areas, particularly in projects related to laser technologies," he wrote.
The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format is scheduled for April 15. The main topics of the meeting will be strengthening air defense and the development of unmanned systems.
Laser weapons in Ukraine
Back in April of last year, Ukraine first presented a laser weapon called Tryzub (Trident). At the time, it was stated that the system can destroy drones and aircraft at distances up to 5,000 meters.
Moreover, as early as December of last year, the then commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Vadym Sukharevskyi, said that Ukraine possesses a laser weapon called Tryzub. He then emphasized that it allows aircraft to be shot down at distances of over 2 kilometers.
Later, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on tests of the new laser weapon. Notably, the system can melt metal.
