How do high-energy lasers defend against drones?

High-energy lasers concentrate beams of light on a drone's weak points, effectively frying its components from a distance, much like a blowtorch.

Are laser defense systems cheaper than missile interceptors?

Yes, laser defense systems are significantly cheaper, with estimated costs of $3.50 per shot compared to over $3 million per Patriot missile interceptor shot.

What are the challenges for the U.S. military in deploying laser weapons?

The U.S. military faces significant challenges in building and deploying laser technology at scale, and experts suggest it could be years before American soldiers widely use them.

Home / Technology / Lasers Zap Drones: Cheaper Defense on the Horizon

Lasers Zap Drones: Cheaper Defense on the Horizon

13 Mar

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Summary

High-energy lasers offer a cost-effective defense against drone attacks.
Laser shots are estimated at $3.50, vastly cheaper than missile interceptors.
US military faces significant challenges in large-scale laser deployment.

Lasers Zap Drones: Cheaper Defense on the Horizon

High-energy lasers are gaining traction as a cost-effective solution for defending against drone and missile attacks, particularly those targeting oil facilities and military bases in the Middle East. The estimated cost per laser shot is as low as $3.50, a stark contrast to the multi-million dollar expense of systems like Patriot missile interceptors. President Trump has expressed optimism about this technology's impending deployment, calling it "incredible" and a cost-saving alternative.

While the concept of laser weaponry is not new, with American military leaders pursuing this high-speed, inexhaustible ammunition dream for decades, significant challenges remain for the U.S. in scaling its deployment. Other nations, including Israel and China, have already operationalized their own high-powered lasers. The technology works by concentrating light beams to fry a drone's components, but its effectiveness against swarms or in adverse weather conditions, due to the need for a sustained lock-on, is still under evaluation.

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