Hanwha Systems(272210) said on the 15th that during the “Army TIGER+ future warfare integrated combat training” conducted by the Army on the 14th, Cheongwang and a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser gun accurately struck three drones.
The Army TIGER+ future warfare integrated combat training is a realistic exercise in which the Republic of Korea Army employs combat assets with advanced defense technologies and hones sophisticated operational capabilities to respond to future battlefield environments. On the day, Cheongwang and the 30kW vehicle-mounted high-energy laser gun intercepted all three deployed drones, demonstrating 100% interception performance.
Hanwha Systems announces on the 15th that it successfully completes a drone interception demonstration using Cheongwang (laser anti-air weapon Block-I) and a combat-vehicle-mounted high-energy laser gun at the Army TIGER+ Future Warfare Integrated Combat Training hosted by Army Headquarters on the 14th. Photo: Laser anti-air weapon Block-I Cheongwang conducts the drone interception demonstration at the Army TIGER+ Future Warfare Integrated Combat Training. /Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration
Cheongwang is an anti-air weapon system developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and with Hanwha Systems participating as the prototype contractor through the laser anti-air weapon Block-I program. Deployed in actual service for the first time in the world, it neutralizes drones and other targets by focusing a laser on them. It requires no separate ammunition and can fire repeatedly with only a power supply. The cost per shot is about 2,000 won.
The vehicle-mounted high-energy laser gun deployed together is a 30kW-class mobile weapons system. The Korea Research Institute for defense Technology planning and advancement (KRIT) managed the program, and Hanwha Systems led development. For vehicle installation, key equipment was miniaturized and lightened, and “phase-change-based cooling technology” to control heat generated during high-power laser operation was also applied.
Laser weapons are drawing attention as a means to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles and low-cost attack drones whose use has surged recently on the battlefield. Unlike missiles, they do not consume projectiles, which can reduce repeated engagement expense.
Cheongwang also intercepted four drones and two unmanned aerial vehicles in succession at the “2026 defense drone technology exhibition” held at the Army Seungjin training ground in September. At the time, Hanwha Systems also unveiled a 50kW-class laser armored vehicle under development for overseas exports. The equipment is slated for completion by 2027.
Shin Ju-hoon, head of the laser business center at Hanwha Systems, said, “We will target overseas markets with the proven Cheongwang and the 50kW laser armored vehicle, which boasts enhanced mobility and output.”
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