China has publicly displayed its LY-1 high-energy laser weapon for the first time during a large-scale military parade in Beijing, signaling advances in directed-energy warfare. The LY-1, mounted on an eight-wheeled HZ141 vehicle, is reportedly intended for naval deployment as a shipboard self-defense system. Its land-based configuration showcased at the parade suggests capacity for larger power modules, potentially yielding greater output. The system’s turret includes a large beam aperture for firing and is supported by electro-optical and infrared targeting sensors. Additionally, a box-shaped module mounted on the vehicle may house radar or passive RF sensors for enhanced detection. The appearance of the LY-1 demonstrates Beijing’s continued investment in advanced weaponry capable of countering aerial and missile threats. This unveiling aligns with global trends where high-energy lasers are emerging as cost-efficient solutions to defeat swarms of drones or incoming precision weapons. The parade appearance serves as both a technological milestone and a strategic signal of China’s growing defense ambitions.
