The French Ministry of Defense has announced the signing of a contract with a consortium of companies, MBDA, Safran Electronics & Defense, Thales, and CILAS, to develop a prototype of a high-power laser weapon designed to counter drones.

Axar.az, informs citing RBC-Ukraine, according to the French armaments agency, the new system has been designated the "next-generation laser defense system" (Syderal).

It is intended for use against drones and for short-range air defense.

The Syderal system is expected to be capable of destroying tactical drones, rocket and mortar rounds, as well as guided munitions, both during the day and at night.

The integration of the laser defense system into the French army is planned for 2030.