South Korea fields Hanwha Cheongwang laser air defense against drones

South Korea has put Hanwha Systems' Cheongwang laser air defense system into operational service. The 30-kilowatt weapon downed all three drones in an October 14, 2026 exercise, with each engagement estimated at about $1.50.

• Cheongwang uses a 30 kW laser and downs a drone in about one second
• All three drones were destroyed in the October 14, 2026 test
• Each shot costs roughly $1.50, excluding upkeep and power
• Hanwha also demonstrated a 50 kW mobile laser vehicle