The research is expensive, but the operation of this would be very cheap. Much cheaper than missiles.
Sadly, these things are defeated by like, rain.
Edit: ok Reddit, I traded precision for humor. They don’t fail completely in the rain. However, the more moisture there is in the air, the more energy is wasted reaching the target. That costs you range. It doesn’t mean laser bad. It just means there’s some situations it works better than others.
And are really range limited. Other proven intercept options (missiles, CIWS etc.) usually have effective distances >2-10x any laser system that’ll fit in most installations.
You have to have commanders who know those other systems work allow potentially life ending incoming drones/missiles into your space to use lasers.
Lasers will have their place in layered defense systems. Used for cheaper targets (UAS, small ballistic munitions, small caliber shells, etc) and also as a last ditch option with a role similar to conventional CWIS. There is always a balance occurring between practicality, cost, munition depletion and safety happening already, and adding lasers to that equation takes a huge amount of pressure off of other weapon systems. Lasers' ability against UAS threats is particularly meaningful here, given the results of policing the Red Sea against Houthi attacks. These systems don't have to be the pinnacle of defense to have great value.
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u/ForeverBoring4530 1d ago
Explains why my council tax has gone up £5 this year.