Why The Pentagon Is Spending $Billions On Laser Weapons

The battlefield is evolving. Drones are getting cheaper, faster, and more deadly. Traditional weapons might struggle to keep pace. So, the Pentagon has turned to a radical solution, sinking billions of dollars into Laser technology. Recent technological leaps in the creation of drones and cruise missiles have created a pressing need. These small, agile, and inexpensive weapons can overwhelm traditional defenses. Lasers provide a potential answer. They're cost-effective with an "unlimited magazine" compared to missiles or ammunition, and they react almost instantaneously. Despite the inherent challenges of weather dependence and legal limitations, the Pentagon is doubling down on laser technology. The 2023 fiscal year saw the Army award Lockheed Martin a substantial $221 million contract to develop a high-energy laser defense system built to counter aerial threats. This demonstrates a clear commitment to integrating this technology into the future of military operations.