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The US Navy has deployed a new electric laser weapon with massive defensive upside.
The weapon can take lethal and non-lethal measures to disable or destroy targets.
The laser was tested on a drone and beamed from the deck of a warship.
Given the laser is all electric and has no explosive power, its at lower risk of causing a catastrophic accident than a traditional bomb, according to TechSpot.
The US Military has experimented with lasers in the past – but previous attempts were based on chemicals.
The project is spearheaded by the US Navy and defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
Reporting by New Atlas says that another benefit of going electric is the laser has a “theoretically unlimited supply of ammunition,” so long as the ship its boarded on has power.
Speaking on lasers, Chief of Naval Research Rear Admiral Lorin Shelby said “They present transformational capabilities to the fleet, address diverse threats, and provide precision engagements.”
During the February test, the electric laser successfully disabled a drone meant to represent a hostile missile.
Lockheed Martin expects that future laser technologies will be used across air, ground, or sea.
Shelby added the laser “[complements] existing defensive systems and enhance sustained lethality in high-intensity conflict.”
Given the laser is all electric and has no explosive power, its at lower risk of causing a catastrophic accident than a traditional bomb, according to TechSpot.
Lockheed Martin
A representative from Lockheed Martin said that luxury car manufacturer Rolls Royce made contributions as well.
Right now, the US Navy has no plans to bring the Layered Laser Defense (LLD) to the field.
This March, President Biden proposed a budget of $773 billion dollars for the Department of Defense.
With Russia becoming increasingly brazen with military engagements, some Americans are glad to have a chunk of their taxes go to defense while more progressive citizens and politicians think Biden should be reducing military spending.