US Company Develops Crossbow Mini HEL Compact Laser for Countering Small Drones

The American company IPG Photonics will present the Crossbow Mini HEL compact high-energy laser for countering small drones at the Singapore Airshow 2026.

This was announced by IPG Photonics in a report to investors.

Crossbow Mini HEL is a compact high-energy laser capable of neutralizing small drones. According to the company, the system provides an inexpensive countermeasure against drone swarms.

The laser for countering UAVs is reportedly capable of destroying Group 1 and 2 drones (up to 25 kg take-off weight with a flight altitude of up to 1,000 m) both autonomously and in coordination with several other laser installations.

The system is designed to protect critical infrastructure, including military bases, government buildings, and port complexes.

The anti-drone laser is available in two configurations: a basic version with a power of 3 kW and a more powerful version with a power of 8 kW. At the same time, the effective range of the more powerful version increases from 1,300 to 2,500 meters, but the operating time from the built-in battery is reduced from 35 to 15 minutes.

The laser system is equipped with day and thermal imaging cameras for targeting, as well as the ability to use external targeting from radars.

According to Defence Industry Europe, Lockheed Martin has integrated CROSSBOW into its Sanctum UAV countermeasure system and demonstrated its effectiveness in four separate field exercises.

In September 2025, the American company AeroVironment delivered the first prototypes of mobile laser systems for countering drones to the US Army.