During the recently concluded September 3rd military parade, China showcased a series of cutting-edge laser and microwave weapons. However, almost at the same time, Saudi Arabia reportedly complained that Chinese-exported laser anti-drone weapons did not perform as expected.
According to Defense Blog, citing Saudi defense sources, the complaint was aimed at the “Silent Hunter” laser defense system. While it demonstrated strong performance in tests, Saudi officials highlighted two shortcomings in actual deployment:
- Slow combat readiness – It takes 15–30 minutes to switch from standby to combat mode, which makes it difficult to intercept fast-moving drones.
- Performance issues in desert environments – In Saudi Arabia’s hot, dusty climate, sand interferes with laser accuracy and damages optics, while high temperatures force more energy into cooling instead of laser output.
The report further indicated that Saudi Arabia has requested China to adapt the Silent Hunter system for desert operations.
Technical challenges of laser weapons
Laser weapons destroy targets through thermal ablation, but their effectiveness drops in environments with dust, sand, or poor atmospheric transparency. Cooling is another critical factor: high-energy lasers generate enormous heat, and in hot climates like Saudi Arabia, cooling efficiency is significantly reduced.
This highlights why laser weapons are not yet widely deployed globally, despite their advantages.
Proven combat value
It is worth noting that in 2022, Saudi Arabia confirmed successful combat use of the Silent Hunter against drones. Compared to costly missile interceptors (hundreds of thousands of dollars per shot), laser weapons cost just about $1 per shot. They are precise, responsive, and efficient against low-altitude threats.
Saudi criticism does not mean rejection; rather, it shows that China’s laser systems are being taken seriously and that buyers are pushing for localized improvements.
U.S. media narrative
American outlets quickly amplified the story, framing it as “Chinese weapons failing desert tests.” This narrative echoes earlier claims that “Chinese weapons lack combat experience.” The timing—just after the 9·3 parade—suggests an attempt to undermine China’s defense exports.
Meanwhile, China’s parade also served as a “showcase” for foreign buyers, featuring advanced systems like the YJ-21 hypersonic missile. Saudi Arabia, a long-time buyer of Chinese arms, is likely eyeing some of these newly revealed systems.
