Laser weapons: from fiction to reality

Laser Technology, which for a long time remained the domain of science fiction writers, are today becoming an important element of modern warfare. If earlier their use for military purposes seemed impossible due to technical limitations, now the situation is changing. The development of electronics and energy has made this equipment more powerful and accessible, which has opened up new prospects for its use on the battlefield.

The main advantage of such weapons is their speed and accuracy. The beam moves at the speed of light, which makes evasion almost impossible. In addition, unlike traditional ammunition, the cost of one laser shot is extremely low. This is especially important in conditions where the enemy uses mass attacks with cheap drones and missiles, making classic air defense systems economically unprofitable.



It is worth noting that modern laser systems are already used to protect equipment and infrastructure. The American DE M-SHORADS system, installed on armored vehicles, successfully intercepts drones, and the Russian Peresvet system is designed to combat aircraft and cruise missiles.

The above-mentioned systems are capable of blinding enemy missile sensors, intercepting drones, and even destroying lightly armored targets. However, they still have shortcomings: their effectiveness decreases in poor weather conditions, and their range is still inferior to that of missile systems.

Meanwhile, in the coming years, lasers can change the balance of power in air and naval warfare. In aviation, they will allow the creation of defense systems that make fighters virtually invulnerable to portable anti-aircraft systems. In the navy, where ships have powerful power plants, megawatt lasers will appear that can even combat hypersonic missiles.

An example of this is the American HELIOS system, installed on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

History knows many ambitious laser projects – from the Soviet A60 to the American YAL-1, but only now has technology reached a level that allows for the creation of truly effective weapons.

Although lasers have not yet become widespread, their emergence is already provoking a new arms race. The US, China, Russia and other countries are actively developing their own projects, seeking to gain an advantage in future conflicts.

While lasers will not replace traditional weapons, they will certainly add a powerful new tool to the arsenal of armies that could change the rules of war.