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Landmark Deal Would Officially Add Laser Weapons to US Army Arsenal
WIRED • • world
Key Points:
- The US Army is set to officially adopt the Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) system, marking the first significant commitment to laser weapons in its arsenal to defend bases against drone attacks.
- Unlike traditional countermeasures, lasers offer virtually unlimited ammunition as long as power is available, making them cost-effective against cheap, mass-produced drones that have proven difficult to counter.
- Several branches of the US military are already testing or deploying laser systems, despite some operational setbacks, such as accidental drone shoot-downs and mixed soldier feedback.
- The E-HEL uses advanced fiber laser technology, which is efficient, compact, and capable of focusing powerful beams to disable small drones, with plans to deploy up to 20 units in portable formats.
- While lasers have limitations like weather interference and single-target engagement, experts emphasize their role as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for conventional weapons, particularly against low-cost drone threats.
