Chinese Warship Exercise Sparks Laser Weapon Speculation

In November 2020, the amphibious dock landing ships Wuzhishan (Hull 987), Kunlunshan (Hull 998), and Changbaishan (Hull 989), part of a landing ship flotilla under the PLA Southern Theater Command, participated in a four-day maritime training exercise in the South China Sea. The exercise focused on ten areas, including defense, Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) transfers, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations, and live-fire exercises.

Reports from foreign media have suggested that a Chinese warship recently sailing into the Pacific Ocean may be equipped with a laser weapon. A Chinese expert commented that laser technology is a defensive weapon being developed by multiple nations, and there is no need for alarm regarding this potential advancement.

Citing the Japanese Defense Ministry, a US media outlet reported that a Chinese flotilla was observed sailing towards the Western Pacific Ocean. The flotilla included seven warships, such as destroyers, frigates, an amphibious assault ship, an amphibious transport dock, and a replenishment ship. Photos of the warships were included in the Japanese press release. It was claimed that the Type 071 amphibious warship in the flotilla was equipped with a laser-based directed energy weapon.

While China has showcased land-based laser weapons, such as the LW-30 laser defense system, there have been no official announcements regarding ship-borne laser weapons. The US Navy tested the HELIOS laser weapon system on the USS Preble destroyer in late 2024.

A Chinese military expert stated that shipborne laser weapons are a developing trend, offering advantages like speed of light attacks and potential cost-effectiveness. These weapons are primarily designed for close-in defense against targets like drones and cruise missiles. The expert emphasized that there is no need for undue concern from foreign media, given China's ongoing naval advancements and the display of land-based laser systems.