The United States is reportedly using advanced laser weapons to defend against drones and cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Reports in American media suggest that the US military has deployed laser-based systems that can destroy incoming targets without firing traditional missiles.
According to reports, the laser systems have already been used against several drones and cruise missiles in the region. Unlike conventional defence systems, which require an interceptor missile for every target, laser weapons use concentrated beams of energy to damage or destroy objects in the air.
The US has been researching military laser technology for decades. These systems use power from generators or batteries and convert it into a highly focused beam of light. When the beam remains focused on a target, it creates intense heat that can damage critical parts of a drone or missile and eventually destroy it.
One of the biggest advantages of laser weapons is their potentially low cost per shot. Traditional interceptor missiles can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, while a laser system mainly uses electrical power. This could allow military forces to engage large numbers of relatively inexpensive drones without quickly exhausting missile stocks.
Reports have also claimed that modified Xbox-style game controllers are being used to operate some of these systems, making their controls easier for operators to handle. Around $500 million has reportedly been invested in the project.
However, the Trump administration has not officially confirmed that these laser weapons are being used in combat in the Strait of Hormuz. Details about the systems, their capabilities and their battlefield use therefore remain limited. If the technology continues to improve, laser weapons could become an important part of future air-defence systems, particularly against large numbers of drones and other relatively small aerial threats.