RTFri, 17 May 2019 20:10 UTC
© Sputnik / Russia's Ministry of Defense
Peresvet combat laser system.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin says that laser technology will play a crucial role in the nation's military might as he spoke about the "first practical results" of the country's Peresvet combat laser system.
Putin highlighted the importance of developing laser technology, including the "tactical-level combat laser complexes," at a defense-themed cabinet meeting on Friday.
Such types of weaponry will at large be defining the combat potential of the Russian Army and Navy... throughout the whole of the 21st century.
Putin said that the government will study
"the first practical results" of the laser system Peresvet's performance when used by the military. The cutting-edge weapon formally entered test service in December.
Named after a famous 14th century Russian patriotic warrior monk, Peresvet was announced by Putin last year.
Nearly everything about the weapon is classified, even its exact purpose.
Experts suggest that the laser, among other things, may be used as a jamming device or to neutralize airborne targets, including cruise missiles. Some said that military-grade lasers like that can be used against enemy satellites.In his speech in March 2018, Putin revealed a number of brand new state-of-the-art weapons. Among them was the air-launched hypersonic missile Kinzhal ('Dagger'), which later successfully passed trials and was mounted on MiG-31 fighter jets.
Comment: Laser weapons aren't the only upgrade coming to the Russia's arsenal:
Russian Army may get powerful Udav handguns this year - manufacturer
The Russian Army will likely get brand new 9mm Udav ('Boa') handguns this year, its maker said. The weapon is set to replace the legendary Makarov pistol, extensively used by the armed forces and police.
The final decision is up to the defense minister, but the pistol's manufacturer is confident that the army will receive the new weapon soon.
"I believe an order will be issued this year, and we will send out the pilot batch [of handguns] to the troops," the company's head, Albert Bakov, told Russian media on Friday.
The gun completed trials and was cleared for mass production in April. The weapon is equipped with an 18-round magazine, which is 10 rounds more than the famous but ageing Makarov pistol (PM) that it is set to replace. Although similar in design, Udav is said to be more powerful than the PM, and has less ricochets.
Different variations of the Udav handgun have been developed for use by the military, special ops units, and civilians.
Comment: Laser weapons aren't the only upgrade coming to the Russia's arsenal: Russian Army may get powerful Udav handguns this year - manufacturer