The Bottom Line Upfront

The United States. Army has confirmed that it has used laser weapons to shoot down enemy drones in the Middle East, marking the first time such weapons have been used in combat. The Army has deployed the BlueHalo Locust laser air defense system, designed to target small drones, rockets, and mortar shells.

The Breakdown

  • The use of laser weapons in battle represents a significant milestone for the U.S. military and could provide a more cost-effective solution to countering unmanned aerial threats.
  • The United States Army has deployed prototype laser air defense systems, including the BlueHalo Locust, to combat enemy drones in the Middle East.
  • The Locust laser system is designed to shoot down small drones by melting a critical point on the drone with a low-powered 20-kilowatt laser beam.
  • Laser weapons offer a cheaper alternative to traditional air defense missiles, which can be expensive to deploy against cheap drones.
  • Laser beams are usually invisible and silent, providing a stealth advantage in combat situations.
  • The U.S. Army has confirmed the use of laser weapons in combat for the first time, successfully shooting down enemy drones in the Middle East.
  • The BlueHalo Locust laser air defense system, designed to target small drones, has been deployed by the Army.
  • The use of laser weapons in battle represents a significant advancement in military technology and offers a more cost-effective solution to countering unmanned aerial threats. While laser systems face challenges such as weather conditions and the need to focus on a target for several seconds, they provide a promising option for the future of air defense.