Laser Wars

Laser Wars

RIP Russian Laser Plane

A Ukrainian attack on a Russian airbase appears to have claimed a rare airborne laser testbed.

Jared Keller's avatar
Jared Keller
Nov 29, 2025
∙ Paid
The Beriev A-60 1A2 airborne laser laboratory in an undated photo. (Beriev)

It wasn’t just any aircraft that went up in flames in Ukraine’s bold attack on a Russian airfield this week — it was a relic of the Soviet Union’s earliest high-energy laser weapon dreams.

According to the Ukrainian military, a long-range strike inside Russian territory on Novembe…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Jared Keller.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Jared Keller · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture