Abdul-Muhsi

The USV-3 'Abdul-Muhsi' is a space combat drone created and sold at low cost to the developing nations of the late 21st Century.

Launched from inexpensive single-use rockets in North Africa and South America, the drone blasts into orbit to intercept enemy targets. As it enters range, the protective shell of the launch vehicle falls away to reveal the weapon systems. If the target attempts to defend itself a small countermeasure capsule rockets away, taking guided missiles with it. When within striking distance the high powered laser opens fire on the objective, destroying it by superheating the fuel tanks or electrical systems.

With the laser fired, the power systems are fused and can never be used again. The drone then fires its engines one last time and enters a decaying orbit, destroying itself as it re-enters the atmosphere. Although expensive compared to simply launching a missile, the Abdul-Muhsi enjoys some success as it is immune to most anti-missile countermeasures, and with its long range laser does not have to be launched accurately to destroy its target.