Lasers, or direct energy weapons, have long been considered the weapon of the future: super-hot light with no recoil, little weight, and seemingly endless ammunition. While we haven’t shrunk lasers to handheld blasters just yet, the U.S. military is actively exploring and experimenting with direct energy weapons as tools to counter drones.
Miniature drones have become remarkably affordable, costing as little as $500. Deploying a million-dollar missile to take down a $500 drone just doesn’t make sense cost-wise. Beyond the price disparity, conventional missiles are not particularly small or easy to transport. Therefore, the U.S. military is searching for more economical and practical solutions. Direct energy weapons provide a more efficient cost-per-kill ratio and can deliver rapid strikes without the bulk and weight of traditional munitions. Moreover, lasers offer a reduced likelihood of unintended casualties, making them an appealing option in combat scenarios.
Three distinct programs have been fielded for potential counter-drone usage, all sharing a similar objective.
Lockheed Martin’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) is among the earliest experiments with directed energy weapons. This Navy program, initiated in 2018, aims to establish a shipboard system capable of firing a laser with an output of 60 to 120 kilowatts. As of 2024, the power of the HELIOS system has been significantly enhanced to 300 kilowatts, offering an effective range of six miles.
The HELIOS system is adept at intercepting missiles and drones. Its high-precision optics facilitate advanced surveillance at extended ranges, and the sophisticated targeting systems enable it to track potential threats proactively. This system can also dazzle optical sensors, rendering them ineffective, potentially redirecting drones or smart munitions. Furthermore, it can inflict direct damage through heat, frying the internal components of drones and missiles. However, one challenge it faces is that it demands immense energy, relying solely on a ship’s power system. Rear Admiral Ronald Boxall, the director of Navy Surface Warfare, has indicated that “The Navy will have to either remove something or look at ‘very aggressive power management.'”
The DE M-SHORAD, or Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense, is a 50-kilowatt laser mounted on a Stryker vehicle. This system is powered by onboard diesel generators and offers capabilities for counter-drone and counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) defense. Its primary focus is to serve as a counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) solution at the infantry level, delivering a low cost-per-shot alternative for engaging low-cost drones. Although it requires an infantry fighting vehicle for operation, it offers mechanized infantry a layered defense, augmented by traditional weapons.
The DE M-SHORAD enjoys a variable effective range of one to five kilometers (approximately 0.62 to 3.1 miles), depending on atmospheric conditions. Four systems are currently deployed for testing overseas, but no conclusive data has been shared regarding their overall effectiveness.
AeroVironment's LOCUST is a smaller 20-kW laser system aimed at directly supporting infantry squads. This versatile system can be mounted on vehicles like the Infantry Squad Vehicle and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Although the 20-kW system has less power and range compared to HELIOS and DE M-SHORAD, it enhances portability. The LOCUST specifically targets Group 1 and Group 2 drones, which include small commercial drones and dedicated military surveillance drones. Its operational range is between 1.5 to 3 kilometers (about 0.9 to 1.8 miles), contingent upon atmospheric conditions.
This system is engineered to burn through drones, destroying critical flight surfaces and internal electronics. Numerous prototype platforms are undergoing testing and field deployment with the U.S. Army.
While lasers may represent the future of counter-drone weapons, substantial hurdles remain for the military to surmount. First and foremost is the management of power and thermal dynamics. Laser systems consume tremendous amounts of power, necessitating robust powering and cooling systems that are also easy to maintain. However, existing cooling systems are complex and bulky.
Moreover, the effectiveness of laser systems can greatly diminish under adverse atmospheric conditions; rain, fog, or dust can scatter beams, reducing their range and impact. Additionally, the precision tracking required to target fast-moving objects like drones necessitates advanced adaptive optics and innovative software—this integration with AI might prove crucial moving forward.
The potential of laser technology for counter-drone operations is significant, but the military's challenges must be addressed. Continued advancements in this field may offer a more efficient and effective means of neutralizing drone threats, enhancing the U.S. military's operational capabilities. As the experimentation continues, insights from early tests may provide critical information for the future of direct energy weapons in combat scenarios.
ShoQ’s Take: As the military delves deeper into the realm of laser technology, the implications for counter-drone operations are monumental. While the potential exists for considerable cost savings and reduced collateral damage, the challenges highlighted indicate that we are still in the experimental stage. Current prototypes could reshape the future battlefield, but there’s much to learn regarding their deployment and operational effectiveness against diverse drone threats. Tactical adaptation and further research will be essential as we navigate this promising yet complex technological landscape.