On December 18, 2025, PT PAL, an Indonesian state-owned shipbuilding company, officially unveiled a portable laser weapon based on a Directed-Energy System at the naming and launch ceremony of the escort ship 'KRI Balaputradewa-322'.
The laser weapon developed this time is an advanced weapon system created through collaboration with international strategic partners and possesses a range of at least 50m to more than 500m. Through this, it provides precise strike capability in various mid-to-long-range defense scenarios and maximizes operational efficiency.
In particular, the weapon possesses groundbreaking advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness. The electrical energy required for one shot is estimated to be around 15,000 rupiah (approximately less than 1,300 Korean won), showing that maintenance and operational costs are very inexpensive compared to existing weapon systems.
Kaharuddin Djenod, President of PT PAL, emphasized, "This technological innovation goes beyond merely symbolizing progress and is a strategic tool for building Indonesia's maritime industry competitiveness and supporting the stability of the Indo-Pacific region," and announced that it will increase defense self-sufficiency to enable actual operational deployment, not just remaining in the laboratory stage.
