Russian National Guard has bought vehicles fitted with laser and noise-producing devices to be used during counter-terrorist operations, RIA Novosti news agency reported citing the guard’s official spokesperson Valery Gribakin.
The vehicles and the devices are not weapons per se; these units produce acoustic and other effect and are non-lethal, Gribakin said. The National Guard, led by Director Viktor Zolotov, plans to purchase at least two vans fitted with complex non-lethal impact systems, all worth over RUR 65 mio ($985K).
According to certain observers, the systems may be used against protesters during rallies. When asked the corresponding question, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov declined to answer.
Previously, Russian Ministry of Defense has shown the Peresvet combat laser system in motion and demonstrated the preparations for its work. The unit is allegedly designed for antiaircraft and antimissile defense; however, the exact information on the system is classified.