ASELSAN LSS represents one of Türkiye’s early operational steps into the field of directed energy weapons. The system was developed to address the rapidly growing threat posed by small, low-altitude, low-RCS unmanned aerial systems and asymmetric explosive threats in urban or critical infrastructure environments.

Unlike kinetic air defense systems that rely on missiles or gun-based interceptors, LSS delivers concentrated laser energy onto a target surface. The energy deposition generates thermal stress sufficient to damage structural components, disable electronics, ignite batteries, or detonate explosive materials in a controlled manner.

Operational Purpose and Role

The primary mission set of LSS includes:

• Neutralization of mini and micro UAVs
• Disabling unmanned surface vehicles (USVs)
• Remote disposal of IEDs and suspicious objects
• Close-range point air defense for critical facilities

By using directed energy instead of conventional ammunition, LSS minimizes collateral damage and eliminates projectile-related risks.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

LSS is positioned at the lowest tier of a layered air defense architecture, focusing on very short-range point protection. It is particularly suitable for:

• Military bases
• Border outposts
• Energy facilities
• Airports
• Ports and naval installations

The system operates primarily in an electro-optical engagement mode. While it can potentially receive cueing data from external radar systems, its organic detection and tracking rely on its own sensor suite. Integration standards and networking protocols are not publicly disclosed.

System Architecture

LSS consists of three main subsystems:

High-Power Fiber Laser Source

The system employs a fiber laser derived from ASELSAN’s ASELFIBER product family:

• Output power: Above 1 kW
• Wavelength: Approximately 1 µm
• Beam quality (M²): ~1.1

Fiber laser architecture ensures high electrical-to-optical efficiency, compact design, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to chemical or solid-state alternatives.

ODAK Autonomous Fire Control System

The ODAK subsystem enables:

• Autonomous target tracking
• Dynamic beam focusing
• Engagement from 50 meters up to 1 kilometer (focus control range)

The effective neutralization range is shorter than the maximum focusing distance.

Electro-Optical Sensor Suite

• Cooled infrared (IR) thermal camera
• HDTV day camera (CCD/CMOS-based)
• Laser rangefinder
• Advanced optical focusing assembly

This sensor suite enables detection, identification, tracking, and precision beam placement.

Survivability and Environmental Constraints

LSS does not carry conventional ammunition, eliminating explosive storage risks. However, directed energy systems are sensitive to environmental conditions:

• Fog, rain, dust, and smoke reduce beam effectiveness
• Atmospheric absorption and scattering limit range
• Reflective or heat-resistant target surfaces may reduce lethality

Detailed ballistic protection levels of the system platform are not publicly available.

Engagement Process and Reaction

The engagement sequence generally follows:

• Target detection via electro-optical sensors
• Automatic or operator-assisted tracking
• Beam stabilization and focus adjustment
• Sustained laser exposure until mission kill

Exact reaction times and dwell durations required for target neutralization are not publicly disclosed.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• Extremely low cost per shot
• Practically unlimited ammunition (power supply dependent)
• Silent and low-signature engagement
• Minimal collateral damage
• High precision targeting

Limitations

• Limited effective range (~500 m)
• Weather-dependent performance
• Less effective against heavily armored or high-speed targets

Operational Status

Publicly available sources indicate demonstration and limited deployment configurations. Detailed inventory numbers and operational deployment status are not publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Laser Source

• Output Power: >1 kW
• Wavelength: ~1 µm
• Beam Quality (M²): ~1.1
• Fiber-based architecture

Effective Range

• UAV/USV neutralization: ~500 meters
• IED disposal: ~200 meters and beyond
• Autonomous focusing capability: 50 m – 1000 m

Sensors

• Cooled thermal IR imager
• HDTV day camera
• 12x electronic zoom
• Laser rangefinder

Target Tracking and Stabilization

• Multi-target tracking capability
• Precision stabilized turret
• Autonomous lock-on functionality

The number of simultaneous engagement channels is not publicly disclosed. Laser systems typically engage one target at a time.

Command and Control

• Autonomous fire control software
• Potential integration with higher-level C2 systems
• Data link standards not publicly available

Mobility and Deployment

Primarily configured for fixed-site protection. Mobile platform integration details are not publicly disclosed.

Personnel and Operation

Supports autonomous operation with operator supervision. Required crew size is not publicly available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ASELSAN LSS used for?

• It is designed for short-range neutralization of UAVs, unmanned surface threats, and safe disposal of explosive hazards using directed laser energy.

What is its operational range?

• The effective engagement range is approximately 500 meters against UAV-type targets. Focusing capability extends up to 1 kilometer.

What types of targets can it defeat?

• Mini and micro UAVs, slow-moving unmanned surface vehicles, and surface-level explosive devices. It is not optimized for armored or high-speed aerial targets.

Does it have a radar?

• Public information indicates an electro-optical sensor suite. Organic radar capability is not publicly confirmed.

How many targets can it engage simultaneously?

• While it can track multiple targets, laser systems typically engage one target at a time. Exact engagement channel capacity is not publicly disclosed.

Is it mobile?

• Primarily designed for fixed-site protection. Publicly available information on mobile variants is limited.

What are comparable systems?

• Comparable systems include short-range counter-UAV laser systems developed in the United States and Europe. Direct performance comparisons are limited due to restricted data availability.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product documentation
• ASELSAN corporate website
• ASELSAN press releases on directed energy systems