The North American company IPG Photonics announced that it will present the Crossbow Mini HEL, a compact high-energy laser aimed at combating small drones, during the Singapore Airshow 2026.
The information was disclosed in the company’s official statement to investors.
According to IPG Photonics, the Crossbow Mini HEL was developed as a low-cost per-engagement solution against growing drone threats, including coordinated swarm attacks. The system uses directed energy to neutralize light aerial targets, reducing dependence on conventional munitions.
Capabilities and applications
According to the company, the anti-UAV laser is capable of destroying drones classified in groups 1 and 2, with a maximum take-off weight of up to 25 kg and an operational altitude of up to 1,000 meters. The system can operate autonomously or in a coordinated manner with multiple laser units, expanding coverage and defense resilience.
The Crossbow Mini HEL is designed for the protection of critical infrastructure such as military bases, government buildings, industrial facilities and port complexes.
Two power versions
The system is available in two configurations:
- Basic version (3 kW), with an effective range of up to 1,300 meters and autonomy of approximately 35 minutes with the internal battery.
- Reinforced version (8 kW), which increases the range to around 2,500 meters, but with autonomy reduced to 15 minutes.
Both versions feature electro-optical sensors, including daytime and thermal imaging cameras, for target acquisition and tracking. The system also accepts external target designation, such as data provided by radars integrated into air defense networks.
Integration with larger systems
As reported by Defense Industry Europe, Lockheed Martin has integrated the Crossbow system into its Sanctum anti-drone countermeasures architecture, demonstrating its effectiveness in four separate field exercises.
The presentation of the Crossbow Mini HEL at the Singapore Airshow 2026 reinforces the trend towards adopting directed energy weapons as a practical and scalable response to the proliferation of low-cost drones on the modern battlefield.
@saibadetudonews U.S. unveils compact laser to counter small drones at Singapore Airshow 2026 U.S.-based IPG Photonics announced it will showcase the Crossbow Mini HEL, a compact high-energy laser designed to counter small drones, at the Singapore Airshow 2026. Source and images: IPG Photonics (Investor Relations)
Source and images: IPG Photonics (Investor Relations). This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
