DoD Presses On in Pursuit of Laser Weapons

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November 8, 2016 | Originally published by Date Line: November 8 on

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Developing directed energy to be used as laser weapons on a variety of platforms has been a huge priority for the Defense Department. It”s fortunate therefore that technology has reached a point where lasers aren’t just a cool, futuristic concept but will be vital in future military operations and war.

Military officials, both at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium this month and at the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, stressed how important developing directed energy was for the US military’s future.

Officials believe ultimately employing lasers will dramatically decrease the cost of firing shots. Missiles, rockets, artillery and mortars would all ultimately cost far more than shooting with a laser and, with the proper power source, laser weapons would never run out of ammunition.

Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Adm. James Syring told an audience at the symposium that directed energy is “where we are going. It’s not a hope. This is what we are doing. I view it as vitally important for the future.”

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