China Laser Weapon: Cannon Pointers Blast Drones in Seconds [Watch Video]

Utilizing a "homemade" laser defense system, China has successfully developed an anti-drone weapon that blasts aircrafts within a two-kilometer radius. Xinhua cited the system's co-developer, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), which claimed that the machine can shoot a target in five seconds upon location.

Accordingly, the system has been designed to shoot unmanned, small-scale drones flying 500-m above in a speed not more than 50m/s.

China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp.'s Yi Jinsong explained as quoted by Xinhua, "Intercepting such drones is usually the work of snipers and helicopters, but their success rate is not as high and mistakes with accuracy can result in unwanted damage."

It appears making use of a laser increases concentration probability. A recent test has been reported to show that the new laser system is able to take down over 30 drones, deemed as a 100% success rate.

Since small-scale drones are cheaper and easier to manipulate, Yi said via Xinhua that terrorists are likely to prefer such aircrafts.

In September, Wired wrote that Boeing has created laser cannon for the U.S. Army. The system has been reported to function at sea as it does on land. A test was done and the technology has proven its ability to blast UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) drones and 60mm mortars in Florida.

Named as the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD), the system used a 10-kilowatt laser to "successfully engage" more than 150 targets. It was reported to disable or destroy such. Boeing and the U.S. Army worked on the project under a $36 million contract.

Powered by lithium ion batteries, the HEL MD's laser locates its targets by using a telescope and a camera. It must be noted that the system has been designed by Boeing to operate with a driver and an operator (with a laptop and an Xbox controller).

While anti-drone ventures are proving their ability to destroy, drones could be getting smaller than ever. Apparently, the U.S. is bound to get a new drone tiny enough to get into a uniform pocket. According to RT, this drone is called Extreme Access Pocket Flyer.

Weighing 80 grams, the Extreme Access Pocket Flyer is said to be capable of flying for two hours while simultaneously transmitting HD-quality video.

Drones are everywhere, as reported by The Guardian. The outlet noted that America is the most "open" with regards to its drone stocks. Citing the date from IISS, other countries mentioned to own UAVs include France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, U.K., Russia, China, India, Iran and Israel.

Watch China's anti-drone laser system (via Yahoo / Wochit) below.