Peresvet a Russian new laser weapon. It is named after Alexander Peresvet a medieval Orthodox monk who died in battle against Temir Murza, a Mongol leader.
Russian airforce is expected to use the weapon in an attempt to counter diverse threats. It is a point-defense system that can track and shoot down drones, satellites, and other aircraft.
It is also expected to "blind" sophisticated enemy systems, preventing them from operating. It is designed to work in conjunction with optical telescopes and space surveillance radars throughout the country, forwarding data for Peresvet laser combat troops.
Russia is the first country to have a ground-based, fully functional laser system capable blinding/dazzling satellites orbiting. It will work in close collaboration with the Kalina satellite dazzler and Sokol Eshelon systems. These systems have been in production for many years.
While there are many theories regarding what it will do, the primary goal for any laser weapon will be to disable or eliminate any sensor on the target. This is not the only way that lasers can be used, but it is the most common approach.
A laser can be used to disable satellite communications or blind them, as well as burn out their sensors. This makes them an ideal tool for denying access to the space environment by any hostile party.
The Peresvet is believed to be able to be used as an attack weapon against enemy aircraft. This would give the Russian Air Force more lethal options that they currently have against many different aircraft types, including the MiG-29 and F-22.
The Peresvet was first announced by President Vladimir Putin in 2018. It is an air-defence device that can track and shoot down missiles and drones.
While the exact weapon is still a mystery, it has been seen mounted on a special wheeled chassis. Similar to the ones used with many other artillery, missile and vehicle vehicles, this chassis looks similar.
This vehicle was found near Sibirskiy military town, Altai Region of Russia. YouTube video shows the Peresvet (or "overexposure") laser weapon slowly emerging from behind a fire and barrier.
The video also shows the Peresvet firing multiple laser beams at once and a small amount of debris being launched from the weapon. Despite this, there are doubts that the Peresvet will have any real capability as an anti-aircraft weapon.
It is encouraging that Russia has begun to develop a laser system capable of defending against air-to-air weapons and other weapons. It will prove to be a valuable asset in any Russian campaign, and it will also help to defend Russia from air-to–air attacks.
This is a very interesting development and should be studied closely. This weapon will most likely be in service when the next round begins in 2022.