China has recently unveiled the NI-L3K, a new truck-mounted mobile laser weapon specifically designed to destroy small drones at ranges of approximately 4,500 feet (roughly 1.4 kilometers).
Developed by the Hunan-based firm Novasky Technology, the system was showcased at the DSA 2026 defense exhibition in Malaysia in April 2026.
Key Specifications & Capabilities
Target Type: Specifically built to counter small, low-altitude threats like commercial quadcopters and FPV drones.
Power Output: Operates at a power level of 3 kilowatts (kW).
Tracking System: Uses an advanced electro-optical system to track targets with high precision at up to 0.9 miles.
Speed: Capable of neutralizing a drone in roughly 10 seconds by focusing energy on critical components like motors or batteries.
Cost Efficiency: Each shot is powered by electricity and costs approximately USD 10, making it significantly more affordable than traditional missile-based interceptors.
Mobility & Design
The NI-L3K is mounted on a light pickup truck, emphasizing rapid deployment and mobility for protecting military bases, critical infrastructure, and frontline units. Its configuration includes:
A roof-mounted laser turret paired with an electro-optical sensor.
Power and cooling systems housed in the rear of the truck.
An operational endurance of about half an hour due to onboard battery limitations.
This system follows other Chinese directed-energy advancements like the more powerful LW-30 (30 kW), which can strike targets at altitudes up to 1 kilometer.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
