The Chinese military has developed, and successfully tested, an anti-drone laser intended to shoot down small-scale, low altitude drones.

The China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), which is one of the developers of the defense system, said that the laser was able to take out a small drone aircraft within a 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) radius, and just five seconds after locating its target.

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The system is designed to destroy unmanned, small-scale drones at an altitude of 500 meters (1,640 feet) or lower, and that are flying at below 50 meters per second (112 miles per hour).

"Intercepting such drones is usually the work of snipers and helicopters," Yi Jinsong, a manager with China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp., a group under the academy spearheading the project, told China's state-run Xinhua News Agency. "But their success rate is not as high and mistakes with accuracy can result in unwanted damage."

The new laser system, which can be transported in vehicles, or installed in a fixed location, is expected to be deployed for use when ensuring security during major events in urban areas, according to CAEP.  The academy said that a recent test of the system on more than 30 drones resulted in a 100 percent success rate.

Yi suggests that the laser was created to combat terrorism, pointing out that unmanned drones are relatively cheap and easy to use, making them an ideal choice for terrorists. China is also concerned that small drones could be used in unlicensed mapping activities.

Although the laser currently can only take out low-flying and relatively slow-moving drones, the CAEP said that it is developing similar laser defense systems that are capable of greater range and firepower.

TagsAnti-drone, Anti-drone laser, China Academy of Engineering Physics, China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp, Yi Jinsong, Xinhua, anti-terrorism