The U.S. military is testing high-energy lasers in Iraq to enhance directed-energy weapons capabilities against drones. Gen. Michael Kurilla of CENTCOM mentioned having three 50-kilowatt lasers mounted on Stryker combat vehicles in Iraq for experimentation.
The Army is using high-energy lasers and high-power microwave weapons to counter threats at a lower cost compared to traditional munitions. These technologies are seen as critical components of layered defense against various threats.
Concern about drone threats has increased following an attack near the Syrian border that killed three Americans. U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn emphasized the importance of utilizing directed energy weapons to counter drone threats effectively.
The Army is using directed-energy weapons to address threats from drones and other sources, with ongoing initiatives across the military to enhance capabilities in this area. Lamborn emphasized the potential of these weapons to prevent future incidents like the attack near the Syrian border.
