Laser guns for the masses. Laser guns are now available for sale on the Alibaba platform
Until recently, laser weapons were the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters and secret military programs. Today, however, any internet user can visit the popular e-commerce platform Alibaba and purchase a device that, based on its specifications, could easily be called a “combat blaster.” The Chinese platform, originally conceived as a B2B service for businesses, has effectively turned into a showcase for the sale of high-energy laser weapons disguised as perfectly peaceful tools.
Behind names like “handheld obstacle-removal device” or “remote igniter,” these devices range in power from 400 to 1,000 watts and are capable of cutting through metal, igniting materials from a distance, and causing serious damage. At the same time, the price of such “toys” starts at $885, making them affordable not only for corporate customers but also for private individuals.
What Lies Behind Innocent-Sounding Names
Sellers on Alibaba use euphemisms to circumvent the platform’s internal rules prohibiting the sale of weapons and high-power lasers. A device labeled “for removing rust and cleaning metals” is, in fact, a portable laser system designed to resemble a rifle. The ergonomically shaped body, stock, and grip all evoke associations with a combat weapon rather than an industrial tool.
Experts are particularly concerned by the fact that, on some models, the serial numbers have been intentionally crossed out or removed. This makes it significantly more difficult to trace the manufacturer and the device’s origin, turning the purchase into an anonymous transaction. At the same time, the platform accepts payments via Klarna and PayPal, allowing customers to purchase a laser “rifle” even on credit—just like any ordinary household appliance.
The danger that salespeople don’t talk about
The laser devices on display at the site are classified as Class 4—“extremely hazardous.” This means that even a reflected beam can cause irreversible damage to the human eyes and skin. To understand the scale of the threat: a laser with a power of just 500 milliwatts (0.5 W) can cause irreversible damage to the retina in one-hundredth of a second. Devices with a power of 1,000 watts, which are freely sold on Alibaba, are two thousand times more powerful than this threshold.
When the beam is focused at a distance of up to 50 meters, this device is capable of igniting tissues, plastics, and other flammable materials. At close range—10–30 centimeters—a 1-kilowatt laser can cut stainless steel up to 6 millimeters thick. The width of the processing zone reaches 100–150 millimeters, and the stated operating range is up to 300–400 meters.
Technical Specifications of the Devices Presented
- “Handheld Laser Device for Removing Obstacles” model: power output 400–500 W; intended for removing rust, cutting non-metals, and cleaning metals
- “Remote-controlled laser rifle” model: power 1,000 W (1 kW), supply voltage 58 V DC, price approximately $1,600, capable of cutting stainless steel up to 6 mm thick, processing zone width of 100–150 mm, claimed operating range of up to 300–400 meters, weight of about 1.5 kg, hazard class IV (extremely hazardous)
- 1,000-watt portable laser rifle: cuts 6-mm-thick metal at a distance of 10–30 cm; when focused at a distance of 50 m, it ignites fabrics and plastics
- Laser hazard class for all devices: 4 (highest level; even a reflected beam is hazardous)
- Price range: $885 to $1,600
Legal and Ethical Issues
The sale of such devices on the open marketplace directly violates Alibaba’s own rules, which prohibit listings for “weapons” and “high-energy lasers.” Nevertheless, at the time this article was being prepared, dozens of active listings offering portable laser systems were found on the platform.
Alibaba has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation. The lack of response from regulators and the platform itself sets a dangerous precedent: technology that until recently was the exclusive domain of specialized laboratories and military agencies has effectively bypassed all regulatory barriers and entered the open market.
What does this mean for the average user?
The availability of powerful laser devices on the open market poses new challenges for society. On the one hand, such technologies can be put to good use in industry, construction, and emergency rescue operations. On the other hand, the availability of devices capable of causing serious harm creates risks of their misuse.
Experts remind us that a Class 4 laser requires strict adherence to safety measures, special training, and a secure work area. Purchasing such a device “for home or family use” without proper training is not merely a violation of operating procedures—it is a direct threat to the life and health of both the owner and those around them.
The Future of Laser Technology: Between Progress and Control
The situation surrounding the sale of laser “blasters” on Alibaba clearly demonstrates how quickly civilian technologies can catch up with military developments. What was the subject of classified programs just yesterday is now available with the click of a mouse. This presents the global community with the challenge of developing new regulatory mechanisms capable of striking a balance between the freedom of technological progress and ensuring public safety.
While regulators and platforms search for answers to these questions, users should remember: a high-powered laser is neither a toy nor a souvenir. It is a tool that requires responsibility, knowledge, and respect for the laws of physics, which make no exceptions for carelessness.
