South Korea Launches Groundbreaking Laser Weapons Project

South Korea will become the first country to deploy laser weapons to shoot down drones, the nation's arms procurement agency announced. These 'StarWars project' weapons are developed by Hanwha Aerospace and cost $1.45 per shot. This move aims to enhance military response capabilities against North Korean drone provocations.

South Korea is set to become the world's pioneer in deploying laser weapons to neutralize enemy drones, as announced by the country's arms procurement agency, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on Thursday.

The program, dubbed the 'StarWars project', features drone-zapping laser weapons developed in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace. Costing just 2,000 won ($1.45) per shot, these weapons are not only effective but also quiet and invisible, making them a game changer in future military conflicts, according to DAPA.

In December, South Korea had to scramble fighter jets and attack helicopters in response to five North Korean drones entering its airspace, the most brazen violation since 2017. The country remains technically at war with North Korea, and such advancements in laser technology are critical for bolstering its defense system.

(With inputs from agencies.)