Small Laser Drones Help Ukraine Fight Big Threats

Lithuanian makers are stepping up to fill a gap in Ukraine’s drone gear. A company called Aktyvus Photonics is making its tiny laser‑targeting kits lighter and cheaper. The new model fits in a hand, weighs only 200 grams, and can be used with small drones that Ukraine already flies. The firm plans to triple production this year and will use 2025 profits to grow further. Ukraine’s front lines need quick, affordable ways to guide missiles. Most laser systems are large and costly, so a lightweight alternative is a game‑changer. The Lithuanian company says its technology has already been tested on Ukrainian battlefields and works well. In Estonia, Threod Systems is also adding new drones to its line.At a Paris defence fair, the company showed the Eos D ISTAR, a small vertical‑take‑off drone that can carry a laser and sensors. The idea is to give soldiers on the ground a portable way to spot targets and call in strikes. The Estonian firm believes laser guidance should not be limited to big machines. Its CEO says the focus is on making the system easy for tactical teams to use. The company has tweaked its software based on feedback from Ukrainian operators and now sells in 27 countries, including many NATO allies. Both makers show how small tech can level the playing field. They rely on feedback from real combat to improve designs. Their goal is clear: give Ukraine cheaper, lighter tools that still hit the mark.