Bangkok: The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force has unveiled a prototype "laser gun," a futuristic energy weapon developed by Thai engineers, to counter drones and defend against emerging threats. The demonstration, held at the Royal Thai Air Force Ordnance Department, featured the early-stage laser gun with a beam generator power of approximately 10 kilowatts.
According to Thai News Agency, the laser guns utilize a beam compression system to produce high heat, capable of increasing target temperatures within 50-100 meters to 300-400 degrees Celsius. This intense heat can damage the structure or electronic components of targets. The design incorporates a laser generator within the rifle's receiver, an electronic stock, and a trigger system. The use of aluminum in its construction helps reduce weight and enhance heat dissipation, ensuring practicality in tactical scenarios.
Air Vice Marshal Manoch Areepong, Director of the Air Force Ordnance Department, personally demonstrated the firing of the prototype laser gun. This demonstration was part of a Proof of Concept project aimed at assessing the feasibility of developing directed energy weapons for anti-drone missions and tackling new threats. The primary objective is to design and manufacture such equipment domestically.
The rifle is equipped with a standard rail for mounting a magnifying glass or thermal imaging camera to assist in aiming, especially at night. A laser pointer aids in targeting since the laser beam is invisible to the naked eye. Additional features include a hand-support handle, temperature and current measurement systems, a safety switch, and a cooling system for safe operation.
The initial development of a 1-kilowatt low-power laser gun marks an important step in advancing the Royal Thai Air Force's military equipment capabilities. This initiative aligns with the Air Force Commander's policy, which emphasizes personnel development, promotes knowledge, and fosters innovation derived from Thai ingenuity to sustainably enhance national security.