China’s new anti-drone weapon is laser on wheels: Why it matters for modern warfare

On September 3, Taiwan’s cabinet proposed a NT$145.7 billion ($4.6 billion) supplementary defence budget that includes more than 600 coastal surveillance and reconnaissance drones and over 40,000 coastal attack drones. The package still needs legislative approval.The combination points to a battlefield in which drones could play a major role on both sides. The laser, sensors and associated systems would add weight to an amphibious platform where buoyancy is critical. It could also complement existing guns and other air-defence weapons.But directed-energy weapons have limitations.Their effectiveness can be reduced by weather, smoke and dust. But until more information emerges about its performance, power requirements, amphibious capability and operational status, its role in a future conflict remains uncertain.

Source: Times of India September 13, 2026 09:51 UTC