The next generation of Russian fighter planes is likely to be equipped with a high-powered laser weapon that can burn through the optics of incoming missiles.
The Adviser to the First Deputy CEO of Radio-Electronic Technologies Group (KRET) Vladimir Mikheyev, told Russian newswire service TASS that sixth-gen Russian fighters will “be able to burn out ‘the eyes’ of missiles that ‘look at’” them.
“Naturally,” he said, “such systems will be installed on sixth-generation aircraft as well.”
Also in the mix for the next generation of Russian air assets: Microwave weapons, provided Moscow’s defense industry can figure out how to protect pilots.
Finally, Mikheyev said the Russians are also working on radio-photonic radar for their next-gen fighters, which “will be able to see farther than existing radars” and be sophisticated enough to provide radar operators “an almost photographic image” of incoming fighters and other threats.
“The plane’s computer will immediately and automatically identify a flying object, for example, and F-18, with specific types of missile armament.”
(Analyst Comment: The U.S. Air Force is also developing lasers for its sixth-generation fighters, hopefully fielding them by 2022.)
@culper is a former intelligence analyst and veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. He now tracks the risk and development of World War 3.
Wouldn't the "optics" be duplicated on the fighter or other sources and just guide the missile? Just like it is mentioned in the last two points, the radar would be improved to see further, so the plane itself would know where the enemy craft is and relay the message.
Of course, that's if the message was sent fast enough.
I don't understand your question. Are you talking about distributed lethality?
I'm trying to understand the purpose of a laser to shoot a missile that would possibly have other methods of tracking its target. If the plane can track from a distance, it would seem that it could also send information to the missile as it headed towards the target.
Just spit balling future tech.
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