On the front, a new laser weapon from China is seen in Russian hands

**Russian Troops Using Chinese-Made Laser System to Shoot Down Ukrainian Drones**

A recent video has shown Russian troops using a sophisticated laser air defense system made in China to take down Ukrainian drones. The footage, published by Russian military-affiliated sources, shows the Silent Hunter laser system in action, demonstrating its effectiveness against Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

**China’s Denial and Economic Ties with Russia**

Despite this visual confirmation, China continues to deny any involvement in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. However, it has maintained strong economic ties with Russia throughout the conflict. In May 2025, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service confirmed that China was supplying components for Russian ammunition production. By early 2025, a staggering 80% of the electronics in Russian drones were sourced from China.

**The Silent Hunter Laser System**

The Silent Hunter is a 30 kW fiber-optic laser designed by the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics. It is mounted on an off-road platform and equipped with radar and optical targeting capabilities. The system has an effective range of 1.5 kilometers for drone destruction and up to 3 kilometers for camera blinding. According to Militarnyi, footage shows successful engagements beyond 1,300 meters.

**Russian Forces’ Use of Silent Hunter**

The video reportedly features operations by a mobile air defense group from the Russian special unit Kochevnik. Telegram channel SPZ Vodohrai identified destroyed drones in the video as Ukraine’s Shchedryk, Skywalker X8, and Distractor decoys. Militarnyi claims that footage indicates Russian forces have employed the Silent Hunter laser system since at least October 2024.

**Implications and Analysis**

The use of the Silent Hunter laser system by Russian troops highlights China’s continued involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war, despite its public denial. This development has significant implications for the conflict and the global balance of power. The effectiveness of this advanced technology against Ukrainian drones raises questions about the feasibility of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.