China, US, Israel compete in fast-growing laser weapons race

Chinese-made laser systems have been spotted at Dubai airport, mounted on vehicles and intended to shoot down drones. The UAE already has an Israeli-made laser system called Iron Beam and is reported to be seeking additional American-made laser weapons, while also partnering with European and US companies to co-develop its own laser weaponry. Oman has been inadvertently identified as a buyer of Chinese-made laser weapons through shipping photos. Qatar is reportedly evaluating components of Turkey’s Steel Dome aerial defense system after an Israeli attack on its capital. Saudi Arabia has been testing Chinese-made laser systems and may be buying multiple units, while also considering US-made options. Laser weapons development has accelerated globally, with the UAE becoming a major market as multiple forces converge to popularize lasers.

"Already in the UAE is an Israeli-made laser system called Iron Beam that Israel apparently loaned the Emiratis, and further reports say the UAE is also trying to buy an American-made laser weapon. The UAE has also entered into agreements with European and US companies to co-develop its own laser weaponry. In late 2025, a transport company posted pictures of military equipment it was shipping and inadvertently outed Oman as another buyer of Chinese-made laser weapons."

"And, after an Israeli attack on its capital in September last year, Qatar is apparently looking into acquiring elements of the Turkish aerial defense system known as Steel Dome, which also includes laser weaponry. Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, the military has been testing Chinese-made laser weapons systems too with some observers suggesting the Saudis have bought as many as eight of China's Silent Hunter units and may be looking to buy US-made laser weapons too."

"Recently he wrote that during April and May, global laser weapons development had accelerated at a pace he hadn't seen before. And "the UAE is slowly becoming the world's busiest laser weapon market," he added, noting that the country now had two different types of laser systems and was purchasing a third. "We are at a point where several forces are converging," to popularize lasers, Keller told DW. "One is technological maturity.""

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