Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC) has unveiled an 8-kilowatt fiber-optic laser system, underscoring the island’s growing focus on asymmetric defense capabilities. The system was presented publicly for the first time at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, signaling a step forward in efforts to counter growing aerial threats.
The laser operates at a wavelength of around 1.07 micrometers, chosen specifically to perform effectively in Taiwan’s humid coastal climate. Built as a solid-state fiber system, the weapon is designed to deliver high efficiency and reliability, making it suitable for deployment in diverse operational conditions.
According to AIDC, the directed-energy weapon has been engineered to engage targets between 1 and 2 kilometers away. However, for safety reasons, current trials are restricted to a maximum range of 150 meters. Despite this limitation, the demonstration highlights Taiwan’s progress in developing cost-effective, high-precision counter-drone technologies that complement its broader defense modernization strategy.
