It may look like something out of Star Wars, a sleek, silent device you’d expect Han Solo to sling over his shoulder, but France’s HELMA-LP laser rifle is no science fiction prop. It’s a real, operational weapon designed not to kill, but to control. This rifle doesn’t fire bullets. It emits an invisible beam that doesn’t make a sound and leaves no trace except for a burnt-out circuit or a fried sensor.
Developed by French defense contractor CILAS, HELMA-LP is one of the first serious attempts to miniaturize battlefield laser technology. While militaries worldwide have tested larger laser systems mounted on ships and trucks, often to shoot down incoming drones or missiles,s HELMA-LP is different. It’s portable, tactical, and intentionally restrained.
This handheld laser connects to a 15-kilogram backpack that houses lithium-ion batteries. When fired, it emits a focused burst of energy, able to disable enemy sensors or melt drone optics from 300 to 500 meters away. “It simply burns,” says a description from CILAS, indicating its ability to silently disrupt enemy electronics in seconds. For instance, just one short pulse can destroy the plastic casing on a drone’s camera or overheat a sensitive circuit board in a communication array.
This isn’t a weapon of destruction—it’s a weapon of control. HELMA-LP isn’t meant to replace rifles or rockets, nor is it a “death ray.” Its power is calculated and purposeful. It’s derived from an earlier, bulkier system—the HELMA-P—which was used to protect the skies over Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics. That version, mounted on a platform and powered by generators, proved effective against aerial drones but lacked the portability needed for mobile forces.
HELMA-LP addresses that limitation. Weighing less than a standard anti-tank weapon, it requires just one trained operator, making it ideal for small units or special operations forces. Its stealth is perhaps its greatest strength: it doesn’t make a sound, and it’s nearly impossible to detect where the beam is coming from. This makes it a valuable tool in urban environments, where precision and discretion are critical.
Of course, HELMA-LP has its limitations. Atmospheric conditions can weaken the beam, and its batteries restrict sustained use. Yet, the French military is already field-testing the weapon, and demonstrations have been conducted for NATO allies.
While export deals haven’t been officially confirmed, reports suggest Ukraine has shown interest, particularly for countering surveillance-heavy adversaries in asymmetric warfare scenarios.
