More Gulf states are turning to laser weapons to combat drones in the Iran war. Israel even loaned the UAE theirs. But do they actually work?
Last week, avid online weapons spotters located what appeared to be a Chinese-made laser system at Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates. The lasers are mounted on a vehicle and are supposed to be able to shoot down drones.
Already in the UAE is an Israeli-made laser system called Iron Beam that Israel apparently loaned the Emiratis, and further reports say the UAE is also trying to buy an American-made laser weapon. The UAE has also entered into agreements with European and US companies to co-develop its own laser weaponry.
In late 2025, a transport company posted pictures of military equipment it was shipping and inadvertently outed Oman as another buyer of Chinese-made laser weapons. And, after an Israeli attack on its capital in September last year, Qatar is apparently looking into acquiring elements of the Turkish aerial defense system known as Steel Dome, which also includes laser weaponry.
Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, the military has been testing Chinese-made laser weapons systems too with some observers suggesting the Saudis have bought as many as eight of China's Silent Hunter units and may be looking to buy US-made laser weapons too.
