China's PLA fits anti-drone laser to amphibious ship in South China Sea
China's People's Liberation Army has fitted an advanced anti-drone laser weapon to a Type 071 amphibious landing ship operating in the South China Sea, according to analysts. The system was observed during a joint air and naval drill near Scarborough Shoal on August 1, adding near-shore counter-drone capability to a class of vessel seen as important in potential regional conflicts. Analysts said the ship is now among the largest surface vessels equipped with such a system.
China's People's Liberation Army has equipped a Type 071 amphibious landing ship with an advanced laser weapon capable of countering drones at close range, according to analysts. The system, believed to be the Liaoyuan-1 (LY-1), was observed aboard the vessel Qilianshan during a joint air and naval exercise near Scarborough Shoal on August 1.
The Qilianshan is now among the largest surface vessels known to carry such a laser system, analysts said, extending near-shore counter-drone capability to a class of ship considered important for potential operations in contested waters. Type 071 vessels are used for amphibious landings and have previously carried air-defense and close-in weapons systems.
Analysts said the addition reflects a broader trend of integrating directed-energy weapons into China's naval fleet as drone threats proliferate in regional waters. Beijing has not issued detailed public comment on the specific system, and independent verification of its capabilities was not immediately available.
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