A new anti-drone laser weapon that is man-portable has been developed by Chinese defense supplier Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology.

Recently introduced at the Defence Information Equipment and Technology Exhibition 2026 in Beijing, the mini directed-energy weapon is part of the “Lijian” range of lasers, which can reportedly shoot down drones at ranges up to 3,900 ft. However, because the mini directed-energy weapon is much smaller, this new portable version can’t entirely reach those ranges, the makers cautioned.

Much like its larger iterations, the new system focuses a laser beam on a distant target, such as a drone. That beam burns through wires, destroys sensors and cameras, or overheats battery packs, thus destroying the drone target.

According to the team, the new system is small enough for just one soldier to manipulate in the field and is roughly the equivalent of carrying a machine gun, ammunition and batteries. For scale, the portable versions, the Lijian II and Lijian III, feature just three main components — laser emitter, an air cooler and a handheld control terminal — and weigh roughly 66 pounds and 55 pounds respectively.