July 30, 2015
A collaboration between the Academy and Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corporation, the Low Altitude Guard I is a 10 kilowatt laser meant to zap low flying drones up to 2 kilometers away. The Low Altitude Guard I's electro-optical turret can see out to 5 kilometers. Promotional literature brags about its automated fire control-- it's able to identify and track rogue drones so that the operator only needs to press a firing button. The Low Altitude Guard's small size allows for stealthy placement on high-rise buildings and around critical infrastructure like airports and dams. Lasers are also a cheaper and safer lethal air defense option, especially in urban areas, compared to cannons and missiles.