Hanwha Systems’ Cheongwang laser air-defence system has recorded a 100% interception rate after neutralising three target drones during a live demonstration for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army.
The demonstration was held during the Army TIGER+ Future Warfare Integrated Combat Exercise, hosted by the ROK Army Headquarters.
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Hanwha said the event was attended by about 500 people, including the army chief of staff, military officials, academics and representatives from the defence industry.
Cheongwang, also known as the Laser Air Defence Weapon Block-I, took part in the exercise alongside a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser cannon in the 30 kW class.
The systems engaged three drones deployed for the demonstration, and all three were neutralised, according to the company.
The trial was conducted as military forces continue to assess responses to the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to Hanwha, such systems are being used for reconnaissance, surveillance and direct attack missions, creating a requirement for air-defence systems that can address low-cost aerial targets.
Laser weapons use directed energy to disable or destroy a target rather than firing a conventional interceptor.
Hanwha said the technology could respond to drone threats while avoiding some of the limitations associated with missile-based air defence, including the need to use a separate interceptor for each engagement.
Cheongwang was developed by Hanwha Systems and South Korea’s Agency for Defence Development.
The system is claimed to be the world’s first deployed laser weapon system.
The company said each firing costs approximately $1.50 and that the system can continue operating without ammunition resupply as long as it has access to power.
Hanwha Systems Laser Systems Business Centre head Joohun Shin said: “Laser weapons are core assets that will fundamentally change the game of air defence.
“We will accelerate our entry into the global market to establish both Cheongwang and the high-mobility, high-power 50kW Laser Armoured Vehicle as key next-generation export items for K-Defence.”
The latest test follows a separate demonstration on 16 September at the 2026 Defence Drone Technology Exhibition, where Cheongwang intercepted four drones and two UAVs consecutively.
During the event, Hanwha Systems also displayed its 50 kW Laser Armoured Vehicle.
The vehicle is currently under development for export, featuring increased mobility and higher power output relative to previous models.
Prior to these events, Hanwha Systems exhibited the 50 kW vehicle at MSPO 2026 in Kielce, Poland, which began on 8 September.
