How Powerful is China’s New LY-1 Shipborne Laser Compared to the US

China’s recent Victory Day parade in Beijing offered a rare glimpse of its advanced Liaoyuan-1 (LY-1) shipborne laser weapon, sparking global attention and debate. According to the Chinese military journal Ordnance Industry Science Technology, the LY-1 has been designed to act as the “last line of defence” against drones, missiles, and other incoming aerial threats.

Technical Specifications of LY-1

• Estimated Power Output: 180–250 kilowatts

• Effective Role: Close-range interception of drones, missiles, and small unmanned maritime systems

• Design Features:

  • A lens aperture nearly twice the size of the US Navy’s Helios system

  • Advanced auxiliary equipment, sensors, and elevation mechanisms

  • Large housing structure, suggesting space for additional power generation units

• Deployment: Claimed to have already entered service, though China has not disclosed which warships are carrying it

• Potential Range: Exact figures remain classified, but analysts believe LY-1 could be effective within several kilometers, especially against low-altitude threats

India’s Laser Weapon Capability

India is also developing shipborne laser weapons for naval defence. The Indian Navy has been testing high-energy laser systems with power ratings around 30–50 kilowatts, primarily intended for intercepting drones and small boats. While India’s current systems are lower-powered than LY-1, they demonstrate the country’s growing interest in directed-energy weapons and the ability to protect critical assets in littoral waters. But India DRDO Developing 300-kilowatt (kW) directed-energy weapon named ‘Surya’, expected to be tested by the year 2027

Comparison with US Laser Systems

The LY-1 has been openly compared to America’s Helios system, deployed on the USS Preble destroyer. While Helios is rated at around 60–150 kW, the Chinese system is believed to exceed this, potentially reaching 250 kW.

The LY-1 was also compared with the LWSD Mark 2 MOD 0, a larger 150 kW-class laser tested on the USS Portland in 2020. If estimates are correct, LY-1 represents one of the most powerful operational naval laser weapons globally.

Advantages and Potential of Laser Weapons

Laser weapons represent a transformative step in modern naval warfare. Their precision against small, fast-moving targets such as drones or unmanned vessels is remarkable, giving operators a sense of confidence that conventional missiles might not always provide. Because they rely on energy rather than physical ammunition, these systems can fire repeatedly without worrying about running out of munitions, which is a significant logistical advantage during prolonged operations. The cost per engagement is also considerably lower than traditional missiles, making lasers a more sustainable choice for frequent interceptions. Beyond these practical benefits, the near-instantaneous speed and silent operation of laser beams introduce a psychological edge, deterring adversaries who may now face threats that are invisible and immediate. This is particularly important in the era of drone swarms, where rapid response times can make all the difference.

Limitations and Real-World Challenges

Despite their promise, laser weapons are far from perfect. Their effectiveness can be significantly compromised by environmental factors such as rain, fog, or dust, which scatter the beam and reduce its impact. High-powered lasers also demand substantial energy generation, which can strain a ship’s power systems and limit sustained firing. Moreover, they remain largely ineffective against ballistic missiles or high-altitude, high-speed targets, meaning they cannot fully replace traditional defensive systems. In practice, this means that while lasers can revolutionize certain aspects of defence, they will likely coexist alongside missiles and close-in weapon systems, complementing them rather than replacing them entirely.

Strategic and Symbolic Importance

The name Liaoyuan, meaning “flames spreading across the wilderness,” comes from Mao Zedong’s famous quote: “A spark can start a prairie fire.” By choosing this name, Beijing signals that the LY-1 is not just a weapon but a symbol of emerging technological momentum with vast potential to grow.

Showcasing LY-1 during the Victory Day parade was a carefully planned signal to the world. It reflects:

• China’s ambition to compete directly with the US in directed-energy weapons

• An attempt to project itself as a pioneer in next-generation naval defence

• Reinforcement of its claim to be a maritime power with indigenous innovations

A Deeper Perspective: The Future of Directed Energy Warfare

From a deep strategic angle, the LY-1 highlights how naval warfare is shifting. In the past, naval supremacy was defined by large cannons, then missiles, and now potentially by energy-based systems.

If China can scale up laser output beyond 250 kW to 500 kW or more, future systems might even target supersonic anti-ship missiles, which are currently among the most difficult threats to counter. India, by comparison, is building a foundation with smaller systems, but the technology is scalable for future higher-powered deployments.

Moreover, laser weapons create psychological deterrence. Their silent, invisible, and instantaneous strike capability can unsettle opponents, especially when paired with AI-driven detection systems.

The unveiling of the Liaoyuan-1 (LY-1) laser weapon marks a major milestone in China’s defence technology. While it is still limited by physics and power generation, its potential output and integration into China’s layered naval defence strategy show that Beijing is serious about closing the gap with the United States.