China has recently unveiled a low cost mobile laser weapon that can destroy small drones targeting bases, infrastructure and frontline units, at distances of roughly 4,500 feet.

The laser system, called NI-L3K, was developed by Novasky Technology, a Hunan-based firm specializing in electromagnetic detection, radar technology, as well as AI surveillance for anti-terrorism, security and emergency rescue.

Showcased at Milipol 2025, an international homeland security event held in Paris, the laser weapon is mounted on a light pickup vehicle, making it easier to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at close range.

It reportedly operates at a power level of three kilowatts (kW), and is designed to tackle aerial threats, like commercial quadcopters and FPV drones. It also uses an electro-optical system to track targets at up to 0.9 miles (1.4 kilometers) with high precision.

The NI-L3K was also displayed at DSA (Defense Services Asia) 2026 in Malaysia where the firm highlighted its export ambitions.

Mobile laser defense

According to the firm, the NI-L3K can neutralize a drone in roughly 10 seconds by focusing energy on critical components like motors or batteries. The system does not require ammunition, in contrast to traditional air defense systems.

Each shot is powered by electricity and costs up to USD 10. This is far lower than missile-based interceptors that can costs tens of thousands of dollars. Its field of fire covers nearly a full horizontal arc. It allows it to engage targets approaching from multiple directions at low altitude.

However, the NI-L3K is limited by onboard battery capacity and has an operation endurance of about half an hour. What’s more, its performance is also affected by environmental conditions ranging from -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to 50 degrees Celsius).

The NI-L3K can operate across an azimuth range (the horizontal angle measured clockwise from a reference direction) from -175 to 175 degrees and an elevation range from -15 degrees to 50 degrees.

Silent drone killer

Mounted on a light pickup truck platform the weapon supports rapid deployment and operational flexibility. Its configuration includes a roof-mounted laser turret, that is paired with an electro-optical sensor unit.

Its power and cooling systems are housed in the truck’s rear. As per the company, the design cuts both acquisition and maintenance costs. It additionally simplifies integration for export customers. This makes it easy to adapt to existing vehicles with minimal modifications.

The NI-L3K is designed as the last line of defense, and is aimed to target drones that break through missiles and electronic warfare.

The company believes that the NI-L3K signals a shift toward layered air defense, where lasers are used as a final, low-cost option against UAVs.

By relying on electricity instead of ammunition, the NI-L3K reduces the need for resupply and lowers the cost per engagement. Still, the system is limited to small UAVs and needs a few seconds to disable each target. This can affect performance against multiple threats.

Its effectiveness could also be reduced by environmental factors such as dust or humidity. Still, as drone attacks become more common, systems like the NI-L3K are likely to see wider deployment. China’s laser weapon production and exports are backed by an sector that manufactures over 35 percent of global fiber lasers.