{
  "id": 8238960,
  "title": "Could China’s sixth-generation fighter carry a laser to defend against incoming missiles?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/could-chinas-sixth-generation-fighter-carry-a-laser-to-defend-against",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T12:00:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
    "slug": "reuters-business-via-scmp",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3368015/could-chinas-sixth-generation-fighter-carry-laser-defend-against-incoming-missiles"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "China is reportedly considering equipping its sixth-generation fighter jets with laser weapons to enhance their defense against incoming missiles, according to a display at the 14th China International Defence Electronics Exhibition in Beijing. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) showcased a \"fighter aircraft laser-weapon tracking and aiming system,\" which reportedly weighed less than 380kg. The system's transmission power is estimated to be at least 100kW, and its dynamic tracking accuracy remains undisclosed. Experts suggest that the aircraft's large size, weight, and power capacity make it a suitable platform for integrating a high-energy laser weapon. However, the exhibition's display raises several unanswered technical questions, such as the specific weight coverage and electrical power requirements of the laser system. Additionally, there is no public evidence that such a system has been installed or tested aboard a Chinese fighter jet. While lasers have limited range and are more effective in destroying incoming missiles or damaging their seekers, they could also be used to burn holes in physical targets at short ranges. China has previously shown interest in airborne laser systems, with procurement notices for an \"airborne laser attack pod\" and a military program developing a prototype airborne laser. Despite these efforts, the US Air Force's Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) faced challenges, including wind speeds, turbulence, and rapid aircraft maneuvers, and the project was halted in 2024 without a functional laser pod.",
  "summary": "China may be aiming to equip its sixth-generation fighter jets with laser weapons that experts say could help defend them against incoming missiles. At the 14th China International Defence Electronics Exhibition, held in Beijing from September 15 to 17, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Beijing Precision Engineering Institute for Aircraft Industry presented details of a “fighter…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Could China’s sixth-generation fighter carry a laser to defend against incoming missiles?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/could-chinas-sixth-generation-fighter-carry-a-laser-to-defend-against-8239737",
        "published": "2026-09-18T12:00:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Lasers to zap missiles? China's 6th gen J-36 jet hints at radical new weapon",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/lasers-to-zap-missiles-chinas-6th-gen-j-36-jet-hints-at-radical-new",
        "published": "2026-09-18T16:26:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}