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China Deploys Advanced LY-1 Laser on Ship at Scarborough Shoal

8/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

PLA placed the Liaoyuan-1 laser on the Type 071 ship Qilianshan at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2026.
The LY-1, the PLA’s most advanced ship-borne anti-drone and missile laser, can intercept missiles and drones at close range.
CCTV footage showed a rectangular object behind the 76 mm gun that retired Taiwanese navy lieutenant commander Lu Li-shih identified as the LY-1, first displayed at the Victory Day parade last September.

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Story summary

PLA placed the Liaoyuan-1 laser on the Type 071 ship Qilianshan at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2026.
The LY-1, the PLA’s most advanced ship-borne anti-drone and missile laser, can intercept missiles and drones at close range.
CCTV footage showed a rectangular object behind the 76 mm gun that retired Taiwanese navy lieutenant commander Lu Li-shih identified as the LY-1, first displayed at the Victory Day parade last September.