DSEI 2025: IPG Photonics displays C-UAS laser system

IPG Photonics Crossbow Mini 3 kW C-UAS laser system at DSEI 2025. (Janes/Tom Barton)

US-based laser manufacturer IPG Photonics showcased its Crossbow Mini 3 kW laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) for counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition held in London from 9 to 12 September.

Ben Allison, vice-president of IPG Defense, told Janes that despite this being the company's first defence product, they believed that their established production base as a commercial supplier of laser modules would mean competitive price points and delivery capability.

IPG has worked with unnamed partners to create a 181 kg LDEW system with electro-optic and midwave infrared (MWIR) cameras and command-and-control (C2) software, called Crossbow.

The 3 kW Crossbow Mini has a range of 300–1,300 m, effective against group one and two UASs, usually quadcopters under 1 m in diameter. Defeat times are usually under 10 seconds per UAS, Allison said.

Lockheed Martin selected Crossbow as the laser weapon for its Sanctum C-UAS and conducted four field tests with it in the United States since February.

Allison said the company is working with the US Department of State to register its products to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) legislation for possible future sales.

IPG is working on a larger 8 kW system. Allison said increased laser power of that increment contributes more to shorter UAS defeat times and less to increased range.

Batteries for the systems can be charged from ordinary domestic 220–240 V power supplies or down to as little as 12 V and are easy to switch for new ones. Each 5,000 Ah battery for the mini system provides 35 minutes of firing time.