**Ukraine Unveils Compact Laser Turret to Counter Russian Drone Attacks**
The Ukrainian government-backed innovation grant program, Brave1, has announced the development of a new compact laser turret called SlimBeam by the company Fulltime Robotics. This cutting-edge system is designed to neutralize drones and destroy explosives from a distance, addressing the daily threat of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine.
**A Growing Concern: Russian Drone Attacks**
Ukraine faces an onslaught of hundreds of long-range Shahed explosive drones targeting rear Ukrainian cities, while FPV and munition-dropping drones strike Ukrainian positions, supply routes, and frontline cities. In response, Ukraine has been exploring all available anti-drone methods, from electronic warfare devices to military aviation and laser weapons.
**Fulltime Robotics’ Breakthrough**
Fulltime Robotics, established in 2018, specializes in robotics and has been intensively working with laser technologies over the past year. The company’s SlimBeam laser turret is a dual-use system that can be used for various purposes, including destroying drones or blinding optical systems, neutralizing explosives, clearing power lines of obstructions, removing icicles, or eliminating other potentially hazardous objects.
**Key Features and Specifications**
SlimBeam offers autonomous operation and remote control through a web application, ensuring safe use without exposing personnel. The system can be integrated into mobile platforms or used as a stationary system for guarding critical infrastructure and strategic sites. According to the declared specifications, SlimBeam can disable small drones at 800 meters and blind UAV cameras at distances reaching 2 kilometers.
**Advantages and Future Developments**
The system’s beam is described as invisible and silent, giving it a tactical advantage on the battlefield. Fulltime Robotics’ CEO Ihor emphasized that scaling up to more powerful lasers operating at longer distances is possible but would require further development. The company currently offers four products, including the LR-1000 laser rifle and laser collimators with autofocus for B2B markets.
**Ukraine’s First Combat Laser System**
SlimBeam joins Ukraine’s growing arsenal of combat laser systems, following the demonstration of another domestic laser complex, Tryzub, in April. This latest development highlights Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian aggression through innovative technologies.
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