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Ukraine’s new AI-guided laser destroys Shahed suicide drones in seconds from 3.1 miles away — also useful for demining operations, trailer-mounted Tryzub system is in final stages of testing
Ukraine has developed an AI-powered anti-drone laser that is nearing battlefield readiness. A video shared on social media by the country's Celebra Tech shows the 'Tryzub' trailer-mounted system burning a hole through some armor in three to four seconds. The demo goes on to show an incoming drone in the AI-assisted sights of Tryzub being zapped and then crashing to the ground a few seconds later.
One news source, Euromaidan Press, says that the above demonstrated system has been in development by Ukrainian firm Celebra Tech since at least 2024. Now in its final stages of testing, Celebra Tech says that Tryzub can “burn holes in Shaheds from 5km away.” That's a 3.1-mile range.
Shaheds are one of the larger, more slow-moving drone types that Ukraine has to counter to protect its people. Smaller and faster-moving drones have to be nearer to be targeted. Specifically, it is claimed that reconnaissance drones within 1,500 meters and FPV drones at around 800–900 meters range can also be combated (1 meter is roughly 1.1 yards, or even more roughly, they are the same).
In addition to the powerful laser, AI target acquisition and tracking play a large part in the touted success of Tryzub. Radar is integrated into the mobile system, too. It isn’t said explicitly, but we guess the longer range of the radar can help position this mobile laser ready to intercept targets.
Ukraine’s Tryzub laser hasn’t just been demonstrated physically destroying airborne and/or ground-based targets; it can also interfere with FPV drone cameras.
The news report indicates that this laser can also be deployed for demining operations. That’s something it could be busier with if this terrible conflict eventually ends. After success in active duty, there’s also going to be a healthy export market for Tryzub in countries currently in conflict and bordering potential flashpoint areas. Thus, we see many companies/countries racing forward with their own drones and anti-drone tech.
Testing of the Tryzub continues. None of our sources offers a firm date for when it will become an active service weapon, but Celebra says the design is mass production-ready once trials are passed.
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Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.
