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Could China's sixth-generation fighter carry a laser to defend against missiles?
A display by AVIC’s Beijing Precision Engineering Institute at a defense-electronics exhibition offered the clearest public indication that China is studying a laser tracking and aiming system for fighter aircraft. Analysts say such a directed-energy weapon could eventually help a sixth-generation fighter defeat incoming missiles, but an operational installation would require substantial electrical power, cooling, precise beam control and adequate dwell time. The exhibit demonstrates active research rather than proof of a fielded capability, and no specific aircraft, output level or development schedule was disclosed.