Ukraine’s New Laser Tool Makes Strike Drones Easier to See in Total Darkness
AI Analysis
Ukraine is fielding the SpaceRay SA, a handheld laser-guided targeting system designed to improve nighttime drone detection and tracking capabilities against threats like Shahed and Geran drones. The system fuses thermal imaging and laser designation, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive missile engagements, reportedly reducing costs to under $500 per engagement. Over 50 Ukrainian military units are currently utilizing the system in combat operations.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceRay SA combines thermal imaging, laser designation, and a 7-inch monitor for target acquisition.
- Effective range is up to 5km for detection and targeting, and 12km for guiding interceptor drones.
- The system is designed for rapid deployment with minimal training (30-minute briefing, proficiency in hours).
- SpaceRay SA is intended to counter low-cost drones like Shahed, Geran, and Gerbera.
- The article also highlights other C-UAS solutions: Rheinmetall’s Skyspotter, Saab’s Nimbrix missile, and Prism C-UAS software.
Why It Matters
The SpaceRay SA represents a shift towards lower-cost, more adaptable C-UAS solutions, particularly relevant in a conflict characterized by widespread drone use. Its ease of use and rapid deployment could significantly enhance Ukraine’s battlefield awareness and defensive capabilities against persistent drone threats. This development may influence C-UAS procurement strategies globally, emphasizing affordable and rapidly deployable systems.
Ukraine’s New Laser Tool Makes Strike Drones Easier to See in Total Darkness
Ukraine’s New Laser Tool Makes Strike Drones Easier to See in Total Darkness
Ukraine’s SpaceRay SA fuses thermal imaging and laser designation to detect and track drones up to 5 kilometers away in total darkness.
A soldier using the SpaceRay SA system. Image: Tech Force in UA via LinkedIn
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Published on 14 May 2026
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Ukrainian forces have turned to lasers to spot and track drones in complete darkness, aiming to improve nighttime targeting while reducing the cost of countering low-cost aerial threats.
Local firm SpaceRay has unveiled its handheld SpaceRay SA tracking and targeting solution, which fuses a thermal imaging sensor, a laser designator, and a 7-inch (17.8-centimeter) monitor into a single targeting capability.
The company described the platform as a response to persistent threats such as the Iranian Shahed, Russian-made Geran strike drones, and the Gerbera reconnaissance platform, with the system reportedly capable of “highlighting” targets in the air.
The view of a target drone being spotted on the SpaceRay SA system. Image: Tech Force in UA via LinkedIn
Its laser targeting capability allows anti-aircraft teams and drone operators to detect threats from up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away, including in low-visibility or total darkness.
Unlike expensive air defense missiles often used against cheap kamikaze drones, SpaceRay said its targeting system could help reduce overall engagement costs to under $500.
“The device fulfills its mission 100%. Using two systems simultaneously allows a group to receive target designation in the form of a laser crosshair, which significantly simplifies the work of shooters without night vision,” unit commanders who tested the system said.
Built for Fast Deployment
SpaceRay SA can also guide interceptor drones toward targets by projecting a visible trajectory path at distances of up to 12 kilometers (7.4 miles).
The system is built to operate in harsh environments, with an operating temperature range of -25 to 45 degrees Celsius (-13 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit).
Product render of SpaceRay SA. Image: Tech Force in UA via LinkedIn
According to the company, troops require only around 30 minutes of briefing before using the system, while proficiency can reportedly be achieved after only a few hours of practice.
Over 50 military units are now using the tool in combat operations.
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Rheinmetall’s Skyspotter pairs multi-sensor drone detection with mobile command-and-control and selectable electronic or kinetic countermeasures for layered air defense.
Saab’s Nimbrix missile is a counter-unmanned aerial system with an air-burst warhead to defeat drone swarms up to 5 kilometers away.
Prism C-UAS is a new software stack capable of detecting drones even when they are extremely small and hard to distinguish.
DSTA