China has likely equipped a second Type 071 Yuzhao-class amphibious transport dock with the LY-1 high-energy laser weapon, according to newly circulated imagery. The Qilianshan (985) now features a rigid rectangular enclosure at the installation point—replacing the soft dome seen on the first ship, Simingshan (986)—indicating that China is moving toward a standardized naval version of the LY-1.
Defense analysts note that the LY-1 is intended to counter reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions, and low-altitude cruise missiles—threats increasingly common during littoral and amphibious operations. Its integration signals a transition from experimental testing to routine deployment of laser weapons within the Chinese Navy.
Type 071 ships play a key role in China’s expeditionary capabilities thanks to their large internal volume, well deck for landing craft, and multi-helicopter flight operations. Adding the LY-1 strengthens the ships’ inner-layer defenses, reducing the dependency on missile-based intercepts during drone saturation attacks.
Technical assessments place the LY-1’s output between 180 and 250 kilowatts, with potential for higher levels depending on the ship’s power capacity. The system employs fiber-laser modules, adaptive optics, and a large-aperture turret to maintain beam quality at tactical ranges.
With both Qilianshan and Simingshan now carrying the system, the LY-1 is poised to spread across the Type 071 fleet and potentially to larger combatants such as the Type 055 destroyer. The move reflects China’s accelerating adoption of directed-energy weapons to counter emerging aerial threats.
