China unveils portable laser weapons for drone defense

At the Defence Information Equipment & Technology Exhibition 2026 in Beijing, Chinese defense supplier Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology displayed the Lijian series portable laser weapons. These high-energy laser systems can be carried by a single soldier to shoot down drones, a capability previously confined to science fiction. The three-day event began on Tuesday, highlighting China's advancements in counter-drone technology.