Directed-Energy Systems

Directed-energy systems are weapons that use focused energy beams instead of projectiles, including high-power solid-state lasers (lasers using solid materials, not gas) designed for counter-drone (defending against drones) and missile interception (shooting down missiles), offering cost-effective air defense (cheaper than traditional missiles because they don't need ammunition, just electricity). Also includes compact microwave emitters (devices that emit focused microwave radiation) for non-kinetic disabling (disabling without physical impact) of electronics and swarm threats (groups of small targets like drone swarms), creating defense systems that can engage targets at the speed of light with low cost per shot, making them particularly effective against large numbers of inexpensive threats like drones, representing a shift toward energy-based weapons that could transform air defense.

This innovation addresses the challenge of defending against large numbers of inexpensive threats, where traditional missiles are too expensive. By using directed energy, these systems can engage many targets cost-effectively. Defense contractors are developing these systems.

The technology is particularly significant for counter-drone defense, where directed energy could be game-changing. As drone threats grow, directed energy becomes increasingly important. However, ensuring power requirements, managing atmospheric effects, and achieving effective range remain challenges. The technology represents an important evolution in air defense, but requires continued development to achieve the performance needed for widespread deployment. Success could transform air defense, but the technology must prove its effectiveness in real-world conditions. Directed-energy systems are an active area of development with some systems already deployed.