The weapon, called Filin 5P-42, fires beams which disorientate and disrupt opponents. It is designed to make it harder for enemies to identify and engage Russian shops. Two Russian frigates, Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Kasatonov, have been fitted with the weapon with another two to follow.
In December manufacturer Ruselectronics commented: “Due to the high-intensity light radiation, the device is able to temporarily blind the enemy and create conditions for its neutralization.
“Constant frequent changes in the brightness of the light flux affect the optic nerves and cause reversible eye disorders.
“The effective range is 500-700 meters, and the width of the impact sector is 10-15 degrees.”
The weapon is also designed to interfere with laser targeting systems for missiles and night vision equipment.
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In a test volunteers were ordered to shoot at targets protected by Filin 5P-42 systems with rifles and machine guns.
According to Russian news agency RIA Novosti many had trouble aiming, with 45 percent reporting dizziness and nausea.
An additional 20 percent claimed they had hallucinations, with “light moving in front of their eyes”.
Tensions between Russia and the US skyrocketed after President Trump pulled the US out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) on Saturday.
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The agreement, signed in 1987 between the US and USSR, restricted medium range land-based ballistic missiles.
Crucially such missiles are capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo justified the withdrawal by claiming: “For years Russia has violated the terms of the INF Treaty without remorse.”
In response Russia also withdrew from the treaty.
President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would continue work on new supersonic nuclear capable missiles.