China Unveils Backpack-Sized AI-Targeting Anti-Drone Laser

China’s defense equipment supplier, Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology, showcased two portable anti-drone laser weapons at the Defense Information Equipment & Technology Expo in Beijing, which began on June 16, 2026. According to a report by Tom’s Hardware, these weapons are named “Lijian II” and “Lijian III.” Unlike conventional anti-drone directed-energy weapons, which are typically vehicle-mounted or stationary, the newly introduced models are backpack-sized, allowing a single soldier to carry them. This portability is their most distinctive feature.

Technical Specifications

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Lijian II weighs 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds), while the Lijian III is lighter at 25 kg (approximately 55 pounds). Both devices consume around 2 kW of power and have a range of approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet). Each unit is priced at approximately 2 million yuan (around $295,000).

Each portable unit consists of three components: a laser emitter, an air-cooling system, and a handheld control terminal. These components can be disassembled for transportation by one or two soldiers. The emitter weighs around 15 kg, and the cooling system weighs approximately 10 kg. Both models feature an elevation angle of over 90 degrees, enabling them to intercept aerial drones. Harbin Xinguang claims the Lijian III can penetrate a drone in four seconds and requires less than five seconds for cooling before it can fire again.

The series also includes a stationary model, the “Lijian-10G,” which boasts a power output of 10 kW and a range of 1,200 meters (3,900 feet). However, this model requires a large liquid cooling system, making it unsuitable for backpack transport. Regarding the portable models, Harbin Xinguang commented that they are “easy to operate and can be rapidly deployed and retrieved.”

Comparison with Competing Systems

The portability of the Lijian series comes at the cost of reduced power output. The 2 kW Lijian series is less powerful than China’s 3 kW anti-drone system “NI-L3K,” showcased at Malaysia’s DSA 2026, and significantly less powerful than high-output systems from other countries. For instance, the U.S. Army is currently testing the 20 kW LOCUST system mounted on Oshkosh JLTV vehicles, while Israel’s 100 kW Iron Beam became the first high-power laser to be deployed in combat late last year. The Lijian series prioritizes mobility and close-range operational flexibility over firepower for long-range targets.

With its 2 kW output, the system is particularly suited for small, low-flying, and slow-moving drones, often referred to as “low, slow, small targets.” When considering cost-efficiency, laser weapons have a significant advantage, as their operation primarily relies on energy consumption, unlike man-portable missiles, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars each. Zhao, a representative from Harbin Xinguang, noted that the core technology of these weapons had matured by 2023, coinciding with the period when the war in Ukraine revolutionized the concept of drone warfare.

AI Targeting Capabilities and Ethical Concerns

What sets this system apart is its AI-powered target identification and tracking capabilities. Based on data from external sensors such as radars, the AI can identify targets, track them, and automatically fire lasers at drones that enter the effective range. Harbin Xinguang stated that these weapons have already been deployed at certain facilities within China, including military airports. The company aims to secure additional orders through the ongoing exhibition.

However, the ability of AI to autonomously identify and engage targets raises concerns about potential misidentification and collateral damage. The use of such systems in urban areas or near civilian facilities necessitates strict operational guidelines and human oversight. The development of such autonomous lethal weapon systems (LAWS) by Chinese companies may ignite further international debate on regulation. While the technology is intriguing, the risks associated with uncontrolled autonomous attacks cannot be ignored.

Future Developments

Details regarding battery life and the cooling systems of the portable laser weapons have not yet been disclosed. The key challenges for portable laser weapons remain limited power and heat management, which will require further advancements for sustained battlefield operations. However, the 2 kW output of the Lijian series has already reached a practical level for countering small drones, outperforming traditional anti-aircraft weapons in terms of cost efficiency.

In modern conflicts, where low-cost FPV drones are increasingly utilized, portable laser systems like these could become a valuable countermeasure.

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, the deployment of this system is expected to enhance the air defense capabilities of critical facilities in China, such as airports and military bases. While the 2 kW output is insufficient to counter high-speed jets or large drones, these systems offer a cost-effective solution against the proliferation of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles such as FPV drones and small quadcopters that have become prevalent in modern warfare. Given the negligible per-shot cost of lasers compared to the high cost of man-portable missiles, this technology holds significant appeal for long-term defense strategies.

In the longer term, portable directed-energy weapons could become more widespread. Despite the current trade-offs between power output and weight, advancements in battery technology and cooling systems are likely to lead to further miniaturization and increased power in the coming years. The integration of AI for autonomous targeting also brings ethical challenges related to military AI back into focus. With United Nations discussions on LAWS regulations stalled, the deployment of such weapons may exert new pressure on the international community to address these concerns.

References

• Tom’s Hardware: China unveils man-portable anti-drone laser that can burn through a drone 1,600 feet away in four seconds — backpack-sized 2-kilowatt weapon uses AI for targeting, weighs 55 pounds, and can be carried by a single soldier (https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/china-shows-off-a-backpack-sized-anti-drone-laser-that-one-soldier-can-carry) — Published: June 20, 2026