Japan Defense Ministry eyeing laser system to counter drones

The Defense Ministry is planning to test the use of lasers to counter drones, sources familiar with the matter have said. Under the plan, a laser system will be installed on vehicles of the Ground Self-Defense Force, including high mobility vehicles, and tests on its response capabilities will be conducted, the sources said. In March, the ministry signed a contract to buy lasers to be mounted on GSDF high mobility vehicles from Kawasaki Heavy Industries for about 1.5 billion and a 1.9 billion deal to purchase lasers for trucks from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.