Russia’s government said Friday that it tested new anti-drone laser systems that it hopes to incorporate into a larger air defense network. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov attended the trials alongside officials from the Industry and Trade Ministry,

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that drones had played a major role in the conflict in Ukraine and called for the rapid development and deployment of separate drone forces within the military.

Ukraine’s drones range from small, autonomous boats patrolling the Black Sea to aircraft that travel hundreds of kilometres into Russia. Most are designed to be made from parts that are cheap, easy to find and simple to put together,

Russia struck a former British visa centre in Kyiv on Tuesday in one of its largest air attacks on the capital since the war began. At least three people were killed and 13 wounded as Moscow bombarded Ukraine with 315 drones and seven cruise missiles.

Russia has been using a Chinese-made laser to shoot down Ukrainian drones despite persistent claims from Beijing it is not offering military support to Moscow.