New Ukrainian SlimBeam Laser Targets FPV Drones Up to One Kilometer

Defense Feeds – New Ukrainian SlimBeam Laser is a compact, cutting-edge counter-drone system recently launched by the startup Fulltime Robotics.

This innovative directed-energy weapon, unveiled at IRON DEMO 2025, is designed to neutralize small FPV (First Person View) drones commonly used in modern warfare.

Combining lightweight portability with powerful precision targeting, the New Ukrainian SlimBeam Laser offers frontline troops and critical infrastructure an advanced tool to defend against evolving aerial threats.

SlimBeam’s Cutting-Edge Laser Capabilities

The SlimBeam boasts a 1.5-kilowatt laser capable of engaging airborne targets at a distance of up to one kilometer. This placing it among the most potent yet portable systems in its class.

In addition to its primary destructive mode, the laser platform has a secondary function—it can temporarily disrupt optical sensors on drones and surveillance equipment up to two kilometers away by emitting a non-lethal optical “blinding” effect.

This dual capability not only neutralizes threats but also gives operators flexibility in managing aerial surveillance and reconnaissance drones.

Fulltime Robotics highlights that the entire laser system weighs less than 50 kilograms, which is exceptionally light for a system with such energy output.

This makes it suitable for fixed defensive setups or mounting on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), enhancing its tactical versatility.

Compact enough to be deployed at various defense points, SlimBeam’s design aims to counter the rising challenge posed by small drones that have become a staple in modern combat scenarios.

Ongoing Development and Operational Challenges

While the prototype demonstrates promising performance, the developers candidly acknowledge ongoing technical challenges, particularly in tracking and targeting fast-moving drones.

Ihor, a developer from Fulltime Robotics, explained that maintaining a laser lock on a drone for the 5 to 15 seconds required to neutralize it is still a work in progress.

Currently, the system operates with manual beam control and is primarily tested on stationary targets.

The startup is actively working on an automated target acquisition and tracking module, which once completed, will vastly improve the system’s effectiveness in dynamic battlefield environments.

Until then, operators rely on steady manual control, balancing precision with the need to respond rapidly to aerial threats.

SlimBeam is tailored for small reconnaissance and FPV drones, which have become a staple of Russian surveillance and kamikaze-style attacks.

Though the system has been tested against larger loitering munitions like the Shahed series, these require prolonged laser exposure due to their tougher construction.

For instance, disabling a Shahed drone entails maintaining the laser beam on target for at least 10 to 12 seconds, demanding more energy and precision.

Future Prospects: Portable Laser Rifles and Civilian Applications

One of the most exciting prospects on the horizon for Fulltime Robotics is the development of a portable version of the SlimBeam.

Envisioned as a rifle-style laser weapon, this lightweight tool could be carried by infantry units to quickly target and disable low-flying drones in close quarters.

Such a system would empower small teams with rapid-response defensive capabilities against increasingly common aerial intrusions.

Beyond its military applications, Fulltime Robotics has successfully demonstrated civilian uses for its laser technology.

During IRON DEMO 2025, operators showcased the laser’s ability to safely remove small obstructions in difficult-to-access locations, such as trimming tree limbs, clearing obstructions on power lines, and cleaning building exteriors.

These practical deployments highlight the technology’s versatility and potential for broader adoption beyond combat roles.

Fulltime Robotics’ SlimBeam represents a significant leap in counter-drone defenses, marrying potent directed energy with a form factor that allows it to be deployed flexibly on the modern battlefield.

As drone threats continue to evolve, lightweight, accurate laser countermeasures like SlimBeam may become a vital component of frontline security, protecting troops and infrastructure from both surveillance and strike drones.

The ongoing improvements in tracking automation and portable designs could herald a new era in drone defense technology, with applications expanding not only in military fields but also in civil maintenance and public safety.

The battle against small, agile drones is intensifying, and innovations like SlimBeam exemplify how innovative engineering is shaping the future of aerial defense in Ukraine and potentially worldwide