Peresvet a Russian new laser weapon. Its name is after Alexander Peresvet the warrior and medieval Orthodox monk Peresvet, who died during a battle with Temir-murza, the Mongol champion.
Russian air forces are expected to use the weapon to combat a variety of threats. It is a point defence system that can track and destroy drones, satellites, as well as other aircraft.
It is also expected to "blind" sophisticated enemy systems, preventing them from operating. It is said to be designed to operate in conjunction with a network of space surveillance radars and optical telescopes across the country, forwarding data to Peresvet laser combat units.
This is the first time that Russia has been able to produce a fully-functional, ground-based version of a laser system capable of blinding/dazzling satellites in orbit. It will be integrated with the Kalina and Sokol-Eshelon satellite dazzler systems, which have been in development for many years.
There are many theories about what it will be tasked with, but the primary objective of any laser weapon will likely be to disable or destroy any sensor on the target. While this is not the only method lasers can be used for, it is the most commonly used.
A laser can not only destroy the satellite's sensors but also blind them to stop their communication or camera functioning. Lasers are an excellent tool to deny hostile parties access to the space environment.
It is believed that Peresvet can also be used for attacking enemy aircraft. This would give Russian air forces more lethal options, in addition to the current ones against many types of aircraft like the MiG-29 or F-22.
The Peresvet was first announced by President Vladimir Putin in 2018. It is expected that it will be an air defense system that can track, shoot down, and even destroy, drones, rockets, and other aircraft.
The exact weapon remains a mystery but it has been seen on a special wheeled platform. Similar to the ones used with many other artillery, missile and vehicle vehicles, this chassis looks similar.
The vehicle was seen near Sibirskiy, a military town in the Altai region. A video released on YouTube shows the Peresvet, or "overexposure," laser weapon slowly emerge from behind a barrier and fire.
Also, the Peresvet can fire multiple laser beams simultaneously and debris is also seen being launched from its weapon. However, it is doubtful that the Peresvet has any anti-aircraft weapons capabilities.
Russia is making a promising start to develop a highly effective laser system that can be used against air to-air missiles, and other weapons. It will be an asset in any Russian operation and will protect Russia from attacks by air-to air missiles.
This is a fascinating development that deserves to be explored. The weapon will likely be in service by the time the next round of conflicts begins in 2022.