Belarus Unveils Phoenix Laser Weapon to Fight Drones at MILEX-2025

At the MILEX-2025 arms exhibition, Belarus made a significant leap in modern warfare technology by unveiling the Phoenix, a new mobile laser weapon designed to take down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Developed by the Belarusian “Scientific and Technical Centre” (LEMT), the Phoenix is a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) that reflects the growing global focus on advanced drone defense solutions.

The increasing use of drones in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has highlighted the urgent need for effective UAV countermeasures. Traditional air defense tools such as missile systems and anti-aircraft guns are still relevant, but new approaches like laser-based systems are being prioritized for their speed, precision, and cost-efficiency. Belarus is among the countries investing in this direction, and the Phoenix is its latest response to that need.

The Phoenix laser system is built on a commercial trailer, making it mobile and easy to deploy. The trailer houses all the vital equipment, including an independent power generator, a laser control system, and a two-person crew cabin. This compact and self-contained setup allows for flexible operation in various terrains and tactical scenarios.

The heart of the system is its high-precision laser emitter, which is mounted on an extendable, rotating platform. This emitter works alongside a sophisticated detection suite that can autonomously locate, track, and engage aerial targets. One of the key components of this suite is the ZORKI-R 3D radar, operating in the X-band frequency (9.2–9.6 GHz). It can track up to 50 targets at the same time, offering strong situational awareness.

Supporting the radar is the ZORKI-O optoelectronic system, which includes a high-resolution thermal imaging camera and a Full HD daylight camera. These sensors not only help detect and track UAVs but also identify their type—whether they are reconnaissance, kamikaze, or combat drones. A built-in laser rangefinder enables the Phoenix to engage targets at distances between 150 meters and 18 kilometers, depending on conditions and visibility.

In its current configuration, the Phoenix is equipped with laser power options of 3 kW and 10 kW. This allows it to effectively destroy small UAVs at ranges up to 1.5 kilometers. During a live demonstration shown to media representatives, the Phoenix successfully intercepted a quadcopter. The laser beam ignited the drone in just 2.5 to 3 seconds, showcasing the system’s speed and destructive precision.

LEMT is also working on a more powerful stationary version of the system with a planned output of 100 kW, which will significantly increase its ability to neutralize larger UAVs from longer distances.

Interestingly, the Phoenix prototype displayed at MILEX-2025 was originally developed for a customer from the Middle East. This suggests potential international interest in Belarusian laser-based defense technology, especially as drone warfare continues to reshape modern combat.

The Phoenix represents not just a technological achievement but also Belarus’s entry into the rapidly evolving world of high-energy laser defense. As drone threats continue to rise globally, systems like the Phoenix could become a key part of future battlefield protection strategies.