China Equips Amphibious Assault Ship With Laser Weapon

August 21, 2024

China has recently added a laser weapon to one of its Type 071 amphibious assault ships. This move is part of a broader global trend where many countries, including the US, are integrating advanced laser weapons into their naval forces.

About the Weapon

The ship shows a laser system that seems to be newly installed on the Chinese Navy’s (People’s Liberation Army Navy, PLAN) vessel. When not in use, the weapon is covered by a dome, likely to protect it and keep it hidden until needed. This shows that China is focusing on making sure the weapon is always ready for action while keeping it stealthy.

China’s Previous Use of Laser Weapons

China has mostly used laser weapons on land in the past. For example, they’ve used lasers to target drones, especially during conflicts in places like the Red Sea. These experiences have pushed China to start putting laser weapons on their ships.

How the Laser Might Be Used at Sea

The Type 071 ship is being used to test this new laser weapon, and China might add similar weapons to more ships in their navy. This testing approach is similar to what the US Navy has done. The US has tested laser systems on their ships that can shoot down small drones.

Comparing China’s Laser with US Technology

The US Navy has a laser weapon called the Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) Mk 2 Mod 0, developed by Northrop Grumman. This system is designed to protect ships by shooting down small boats and drones and can also disrupt enemy sensors by “dazzling” them with light. The Chinese laser weapon might have similar capabilities, though the exact details aren’t clear yet.

How China Might Use This Weapon

The Chinese Navy has already used lower-powered laser dazzlers, which can temporarily blind or permanently damage the eyes of aircraft crews. These dazzlers have been used in confrontations with US and Australian aircraft, showing that China is using lasers to assert its power and deter other countries.

Impact of Laser Weapons in Naval Warfare

Laser dazzlers at sea can give significant advantages in military situations. They can temporarily blind aircraft crews or cause lasting damage, affecting the outcome of engagements. The deployment of such technology shows that China is serious about improving its navy’s capabilities. This could change the way naval warfare is conducted, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, as China continues to advance its military technology.

Facts About People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is the naval force of China’s military.
The navy was created in 1949 and has grown quickly.
PLAN is now the biggest navy in the world based on the size of its ships.
The navy has modern submarines, including ones powered by nuclear energy.
PLAN is constantly upgrading its equipment and technology.
The navy’s first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, started service in 2012.
PLAN’s focus has grown from just defending China’s coast to operating far from home.

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