LONDON (AFP) — Anti-piracy measures took centre stage at the world’s largest defence fair Tuesday, with the unveiling of a laser to dazzle potential attackers before they can get too close.

Amid stepped up international efforts to halt piracy, in particular in the Gulf of Aden, British defence firm BAE Systems unveiled a new non-lethal system for commercial vessels to help them spot and fend off attackers.

It comprises a radar that enables the detection of ships up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) away; current commercial systems have a range of up to about seven kilometers, as well as 360-degree camera systems and early warning mechanisms.

The aim is to identify dangerous vessels with enough time to call for help, but if they fail, ships under attack could use a high-powered, visible laser to effectively blind the pirates and stop them in their tracks.

It would cause no lasting damage, but ; able to expand out to four meters wide, almost the size of a small boat, would enable commercial vessel crews to deter any potential attackers without having to use weapons.

“Piracy is on the rise,’’ said Nick Stoppard, BAE Systems director of solutions development.

“Attacks in 2008 were double those of the previous year and there is a clear need for better methods to help commercial ships identify and evade pirates before an attack occurs.’’

Also on show at the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition were high-speed boats designed to combat piracy and illegal immigration, and a live demonstration of new technology to help stop suspect vessels.