Russia's ALJS Is Anti-Missile Death Ray

Tucked away on the Rosoboronexport stand is a remarkable new system that its manufacturer hopes will revolutionize air transport operations in dangerous environments. A design team from Samara-based Automatic System Corp, lead by Professor Alexander Kisletsov, has developed the Airborne Laser Jamming System to "shoot down" incoming missiles with a high-powered laser beam.

The initial version of the ALJS (intended for fast jet combat aircraft), was unveiled during last year's Dubai air show; here at Singapore, Rosoboronexport is offering an all-new version for large transport aircraft.

The ALJS uses a DF gas laser linked to a series of sensors that alert the system to the launch of a hostile missile. The incoming missile is tracked and hit with a modulated laser pulse when it comes within range. A 1.5-second burst is enough to disable and "suppress" the missile's IR-seeker. The latest version is optimized against such shoulder-fired missiles as the FIM-92A/B/C Stinger, Strela-2/2M and Igla.

Rosoboronexport is hoping to attract VIP customers to the AJLS, but is also offering it to airlines who feel they are operating in areas of risk. The system can be fitted to military transport aircraft too.

The export version of the AJLS is derived from existing state-backed R&D efforts, and Rosoboronexport says that all versions of the system have been flown and thoroughly tested. Professor Kisletsov has been working on its development for over 10 years and says that production units could be delivered to a customer within 18 months to 2 years after a funded order was received.

Following the system's debut in Dubai, Rosoboronexport says that it is already talking to several customers for the military version "at state level," and believes there is a sizeable market for the ALJS in the Asia Pacific Region, as well as the Middle East.

By Robert Hewson