Ukraine is testing laser weapons capable of destroying FPV drones and damaging enemy optics

Ukrainian company Celebra Tech May 8 2026 announced that its laser system “Tryzub” is in the final stage of testing and can already engage targets at distances of up to five kilometers. The manufacturer told the publication Defender Media. Around 15 people are currently working on the development of the system. Over several years the system has been significantly refined, including by adding new functions for more precise targeting and target tracking.

The emergence of laser weapons in Ukraine was first publicly announced by Vadym Sukharevskyi, the former commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces. In 2024 he noted that the Ukrainian laser can already shoot down aircraft at altitudes of over two kilometers.

The system itself was first demonstrated in 2025. At that time it was stated that the complex can be used against strike drones, aerial bombs, cruise and ballistic missiles at ranges up to three kilometers, and also against helicopters and aircraft — up to five kilometers. In addition, the possibility of blinding equipment at distances up to 10 kilometers was claimed. Developers say that last winter the “Tryzub” during tests burned through FPV drones. Tests were conducted on platforms sized seven, eight, nine and 13 inches. The effective engagement range for FPV drones is approximately 800-900 meters.

Now the system, according to the manufacturer, is capable of shooting down reconnaissance drones at distances up to 1.5 km. The laser can damage optics, electronics, structural elements and wing housings. Celebra Tech also reported that the prototype of the laser module underwent combat trials in 2021 and 2022. At that time it took the form of a light rifle “Tryzub-120”. According to the company, the product was used against the electro-optical equipment of Ka-52 helicopters, reconnaissance drones “Orlan”, as well as the observation stations “Murom” and “Grenadier”.

The manufacturer does not name the cost of the complex, but claims that the Ukrainian system should be cheaper than foreign analogues. The company is financing the development with its own funds. For comparison, the British laser weapon DragonFire is estimated at approximately 120 million pounds sterling.

In addition to engaging aerial targets, “Tryzub”, according to developers, can also be used for mine clearance. Among the new features of the complex are a mid-course guidance, target acquisition and tracking system, as well as integration with radars to monitor their movement. Celebra Tech adds that, besides the laser system, the company has developed the fiber-optic FPV drone Laurus-13F and the strike middle-strike “Svidok”. Bombers, ground robotic complexes, EW systems and software are also in development.

Reminder, earlier we wrote:

• Ukraine has created its own laser air defense system to combat drones
• BlueBird Tech presented Chipa — a net-based system for intercepting FPV drones
• Ukrainian UForce showcased the new kamikaze drone “Bucha”
• Head of the US Army: Ukrainian Armed Forces’ innovations changed modern warfare, the US is learning from Ukrainians
• A nighttime strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces hits the enemy rear — fuel depots, EW systems and a drone control point were struck