The era of laser weapons has arrived. The United States Army has deployed high-energy laser weapons overseas to protect American troops and allies from enemy drones. This marks the first known deployment of a directed-energy system for air defense in military history. The weapon, known as the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL), was developed by American defense contractor BlueHalo based on their Locust Laser Weapon System.
Despite not disclosing the exact location of deployment or confirmation of adversary drone “kills” for security reasons, the Army has confirmed the success of the laser weapons in neutralizing threats in the Middle East. This deployment comes as the US military seeks to enhance its air defense capabilities in response to increased drone and missile attacks.
The use of laser weapons has been a goal for militaries since the 1970s, and the deployment of P-HEL in the Middle East signifies a significant milestone in the development and utilization of laser technology in warfare. The history of laser weapons dates back to their invention in 1960 and their exploration for military applications by the Pentagon. In recent years, advancements in technology have made laser weapons effective against their targets, as seen through successful tests of various laser systems by different branches of the military.
Overall, the deployment of laser weapons by the US Army represents a major step forward in military technology and defense capabilities, setting the stage for wider adoption of laser weapons by armed forces worldwide.
