Full Breakdown
China Deploys Advanced Ship-borne Laser on Amphibious Landing Vessel in the South China Sea
8/11/2026, 8:17:11 AM
New Laser Weapon Mounted on PLA Amphibious Ship
During a People’s Liberation Army joint air and naval drill at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, a Type 071 amphibious landing ship, the Qilianshan, was observed carrying a rectangular device behind its 76 mm dual-purpose gun. Analysts identified the system as the Liaoyuan-1 (LY-1) laser, marking the first large surface vessel equipped with this directed-energy anti-drone weapon.
Context: Amphibious Ships and Drone Threats
Amphibious landing ships are central to China’s force projection in contested near-shore waters such as the South China Sea. Their missions bring them close to islands and reefs where unmanned aerial or surface drones could pose a threat. Compared with destroyers and frigates, these vessels lack the same level of built-in air-defence, prompting the PLA to augment them with high-energy lasers for close-range protection.
Technical Details and Capabilities
The LY-1 laser is designed for the interception of incoming missiles and drones at short range, serving as a “last line of defence” within a ship’s air-defence suite. The system debuted at the Victory Day military parade in Beijing last September, where it was presented as a showcase of China’s directed-energy technology. Video released by state broadcaster CCTV showed the laser’s rectangular housing positioned aft of the main gun, suggesting integration with the ship’s existing combat systems.
Official and Expert Commentary
Lu Li-shih, a retired Taiwanese navy lieutenant commander, interpreted the visual evidence as confirming the presence of the LY-1 on the Qilianshan. Analysts cited in the report argue that the addition of the laser enhances the vessel’s ability to counter unmanned threats when operating in hostile near-shore environments.
Strategic Implications
Equipping a major amphibious platform with a ship-borne laser expands China’s near-shore anti-drone capability and signals a broader effort to modernise its surface fleet for contested maritime zones. The deployment underscores the PLA’s focus on counter-drone measures as unmanned systems become increasingly prevalent in regional security calculations.
