US Pursues Directed Energy Weapons For Defense

The US Department of Defense is working to redevelop directed energy weapons to address threats to US airspace. The agency is also developing stealth aircraft for deep penetration into enemy territory, though this carries risks of exposure to enemy fighters and air defense systems. Since the 1970s, research has been conducted on laser weapons for missile defense, with the US Air Force designing a program to explore developing an airborne laser weapon to protect strategic rockets from air defense missiles. These weapons are considered effective against low-cost, slow-moving reconnaissance drones, with systems like the "Reaper" drone capable of over 20 hours of continuous flight. These weapons are being developed to counter threats like the "Death Scythe" drone, which possesses advanced optical and infrared sensors and can perform long-duration hovering missions for intercepting drones. A secondary defensive strategy involves using master aircraft. Its tracking and targeting systems enable it to intercept low-cost, slow-moving reconnaissance drones effectively, especially when protecting US bases or forces. Such weapons could protect US military bases and assets from threats like the Reaper drone. Stealth aircraft entering enemy nuclear launch zones risk exposure and interception by enemy fighters and air defense missiles, potentially failing their counter-missile missions. They can also function as defensive weapons. A second operational method involves using these weapons defensively. These weapons could be used for offensive patrols or defensive measures.