Japan; Army reveals 10kW high-power Laser UAV interceptor  

During the 70th Anniversary Review Ceremony of the South Korean Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces on November 9, 2024, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) presented a groundbreaking piece of technology—the 10kW-class high-power laser electronic warfare (EW) combat truck. Developed by Japan’s Defense Acquisition Agency, this state-of-the-art laser system marks a significant advancement in Japan’s directed-energy weapon (DEW) capabilities, which are increasingly critical in countering modern threats on the battlefield.

The 10kW-class high-power laser EW vehicle is a formidable innovation designed to counter aerial and missile threats, including hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-altitude missile systems. Japan’s Defense Acquisition Agency, a key institution within the Ministry of Defense that spearheads defense technology development, has pushed the boundaries in both electromagnetic and laser-based technologies. This system is part of Japan’s broader defense modernization effort, aiming to bolster capabilities that traditional missile-defense systems struggle to address effectively, especially against the backdrop of rapidly advancing drone warfare and complex aerial threats.

Equipped with a high-power laser system mounted on an 8×8 truck chassis, the vehicle offers both flexibility and rapid deployment potential across diverse terrains. The laser’s 10kW output enables it to neutralize targets within short to medium range, targeting and disrupting the electronic or physical components of drones and missiles. By integrating this capability into a mobile electronic warfare vehicle, Japan gains a tactical advantage with a reusable, high-precision tool that minimizes collateral damage and costs associated with traditional munitions. The JGSDF’s system development underscores the country’s shift towards innovative, cost-effective, and adaptive defense solutions to meet evolving battlefield demands.