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May 18, 2026
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DroneWire Intelligence

Everything you need to know about the “Trident” laser system - AERONAUT.media

Everything you need to know about the “Trident” laser system - AERONAUT.media

AI Analysis

Ukraine is actively deploying the “Tryzub” laser system, developed by Celebra Tech, to counter low-cost drones like Shaheds and FPV drones. The system has progressed from prototype testing in late 2024 to limited operational use by early 2026, with 5-8 units reportedly deployed. A key upgrade involved replacing traditional computer vision with a neural-network-based guidance system in mid-2025, significantly enhancing its effectiveness.

Confidence: 95%

Key Takeaways

  • The “Tryzub” system was developed in response to the need to counter swarms of low-cost UAVs without expending expensive missiles.
  • Celebra Tech transitioned from a demonstrator prototype to operational deployment within approximately one year (late 2024 - early 2026).
  • The most significant technological advancement was the shift to a neural-network-based guidance model for target acquisition and engagement.
  • The system is currently used for protecting command posts and critical infrastructure.
  • An updated, towed version of the system was presented in May 2026, indicating continued development and refinement.

Why It Matters

The deployment of “Tryzub” demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to rapidly develop and field asymmetric counter-drone capabilities. This is particularly relevant given the widespread use of drones in the conflict and the high cost of traditional air defense systems. Success with this system could influence counter-UAS strategies globally, especially for nations facing similar drone threats.

Everything you need to know about the “Trident” laser system - AERONAUT.media

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The Ukrainian “Tryzub” Laser System: From Testing Grounds to the Front Line

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Ukraine Air Force and the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are already using the combat laser system “Tryzub” in limited, targeted deployments to protect command posts and critical infrastructure from hostile UAVs.

On May 7, 2026, the developer, Ukrainian company Celebra Tech, officially presented an updated towed version of the system and announced its transition to final state trials. According to the company, this is not an announcement of a concept, but a system for which approximately five to eight prototype units were already on duty at that time.

Outside the official presentation, the key development was not publicly highlighted. In the second half of 2025, the developers effectively reworked the system’s core software, replacing traditional computer vision with a full neural-network-based guidance model. According to them, this change – rather than the new chassis or towed configuration – represents the real technological advancement achieved over the year.

Let’s take a closer look.

Read also: Weapons of Ukraine’s Victory: The Hornet UAV, Also Known as “Martian-2”

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How the system was developed: from testing range to operational use

The “Tryzub” project began in 2023–2024 as a response to a clearly defined operational need. Ukraine required a means of countering large numbers of low-cost aerial threats without expending expensive surface-to-air missiles. The daily use of “Shahed” drones and FPV drones turned this requirement from a theoretical concept into an immediate practical problem.

At the end of 2024, the “Tryzub” laser system first appeared publicly as an experimental prototype conducting live-fire tests against aerial targets at a training range. At that stage, the configuration was typical for many early domestic defense developments: a collection of separate subsystems assembled primarily for demonstration purposes rather than operational deployment.

February 2025 marked a turning point, when command structures announced the beginning of deployment of the “Tryzub” laser system within military units. In April of the same year, the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine published footage of field trials. The laser was used against both a ground target and an FPV drone. At that stage, the system was officially described as an experimental countermeasure primarily intended for reconnaissance UAVs.

The second half of 2025 was no longer about testing, but about a substantial redesign. At that stage, Celebra Tech reportedly moved away from classical computer vision in favor of a neural-network-based model, while also refining the emitter and the cooling system.

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Original Source

Aeronaut (via Exa)