Laser

Laser is a device that produces a highly focused beam of light with very high precision and minimal divergence. The word LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Thanks to these properties, lasers are used in industry, medicine, science, as well as the military, security forces, and airsoft. A laser is therefore a highly precise light-based tool with wide applications from science to military operations. In the military, it is used for navigation, target designation, and night operations, while in airsoft it represents a practical tactical accessory for CQB and realistic training. When used at appropriate power levels and responsibly, a laser is an effective and safe tool. A selection of laser modules can be found on our e-shop.

MAWL-C1 laser module with a green beam

Origin and history of the laser

The theoretical foundations of the laser were laid by Albert Einstein as early as 1917, when he described the principle of stimulated emission of radiation. The first functional laser was constructed in 1960 by American physicist Theodore H. Maiman. It was a ruby laser that triggered the rapid development of laser technologies worldwide.

Use of lasers in the military

In the military environment, lasers play a crucial role and are used in several key areas:

Navigation and target designation – laser designators for aviation and artillery.
Laser rangefinders – precise measurement of target distance.
PEQ and DBAL modules – combinations of visible laser, IR laser, and IR illuminator.
Night operations – IR lasers used with night vision devices (NVG).

Modules such as AN/PEQ or DBAL allow fast aiming without the need for traditional sights, especially at night and in dynamic situations.

Laser classes and power levels

Lasers are divided into safety classes according to their power output and risk to eyesight:

Class 1 / 1R
Very low power, considered safe for normal use. Commonly used in civilian aiming lasers.
Class 3R
Higher power than 1R, with a clearly visible beam. Short accidental eye exposure presents low risk, but it is not safe for direct prolonged viewing. The most common class for tactical airsoft lasers.
Class 3B and higher
High power, used in military and industrial systems. Potentially hazardous to eyesight – not used in airsoft.

Laser in airsoft

In airsoft, lasers are mainly used as an auxiliary aiming aid and tactical accessory:

PEQ boxes – replicas of military laser modules.
Hip firing in CQB – fast target acquisition without raising the weapon to eye level.
Tactical signaling – team communication (indicating direction or targets).

In airsoft, only low-power lasers are used to maintain player safety. Nevertheless, it is essential to avoid intentional aiming at the eyes.

Advantages and limitations of lasers

Advantages: very fast target acquisition, usability at night, intuitive operation.
Limitations: the laser can reveal your position, is less visible in daylight, and is not a replacement for traditional sights.