China’s new LY-1 ship borne laser weapon

 ‘Most Powerful’ ship borne Laser weapon revealed by China 

China has revealed its new LY-1 high-power laser weapon during its biggest military victory day parade yet in Beijing, marking the system’s first official appearance. LY-1 is new naval laser system, designed to disrupt drones and missiles by damaging sensors, offering low-cost, rapid defence. Although mounted on an eight-wheeled HZ141 vehicle, the laser is reportedly intended for shipboard self-defence. The size of the land-based version shown in the parade indicates room for larger power units, hinting at potential for higher output levels. Output of laser weapon unveiled at Beijing military parade exceeds American Helios and LWSD Mark 2 MOD 0 laser weapons

According to Ordnance Industry Science Technology, a Chinese military journal, the Liaoyuan-1 (LY-1) ship borne laser weapon displayed in the military parade will be tasked with “close-range interception of incoming missiles and drones”, serving as the “last line of defence” within the ship borne air-defence system. Its turret carries a single large beam aperture supported by smaller electro-optical and infrared sensors for targeting, while a box-like module may house radar and passive radio frequency sensors. Unlike traditional interceptors, the LY-1 draws solely on onboard power, enabling low-cost engagements and near-unlimited firing capacity. It is designed to disrupt or destroy the optical sensors of enemy platforms, threatening the guidance systems of drones and precision missiles.

“The LY-1 has sufficient space for power units, meaning that it could have higher power, enabling it to be capable of intercepting not only attacks from unmanned equipment, but also anti-ship missiles, with very low cost for each interception,” China’s Global Times said. Shipborne laser weapons can effectively damage the optical sensors of enemy weapons and equipment. The unveiling of China’s LY-1 naval laser may signal progress in solving a longstanding challenge for high-energy laser systems: overheating. In 2023, Chinese researchers reported a major breakthrough in laser cooling tech, enabling continuous operation without thermal shutdowns. While the LY-1 hasn’t been explicitly linked to this breakthrough, its debut suggests these innovations may now be integrated.

The LY-1 “may form a complementary range structure alongside the long-range HHQ-9C, medium-range HQ-16C and short-range HQ-10A [naval air-defence missile] systems”. It also compared the LY-1 with the US’ Helios laser weapon, saying the Chinese system’s overall structure was “considerably more robust” than the Helios. Particularly the LY-1’s lens aperture, which is nearly twice the diameter of the Helios. Its auxiliary equipment, sensors, elevation mechanism and other subsystems are also far more advanced. The laser’s design indicates a focus on sustained, high-power output. Improved cooling would allow the system to maintain consistent laser performance during extended engagements, a critical factor for naval self-defence against drones and incoming missiles.

The parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II, also showcased a range of next-gen systems: drones, missiles, and advanced platforms. Alongside LY-1, ground formations showcased AI-powered uncrewed vehicles capable of reconnaissance, assault and explosive disposal. Some uncrewed tanks operated in formation with robotic wolves, while light combat vehicles launched drones for coordinated air-ground missions. Maritime and air units also added unmanned surface and underwater systems, reconnaissance and strike drones, and stealth-capable aircraft. The parade also presented cyber, electronic warfare and information support systems, highlighting the PLA’s focus on spectrum dominance and data-driven combat operations in future ahead.