When you read that headline, you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve missed a few decades. Laser technology is often the go-to choice to signify an advanced society in the world of science fiction. However, it turns out that laser technology is already here – and could be used in various different ways. At the moment, the US Marines are able to use powerful laser technology to help knock out drones when on-the-go.

Drones obviously pose a unique challenge to the world of military operation, giving the opposition a great chance to spot the enemy in advance of their arrival. Thanks to the new Compact Laser Weapon System, though, that problem might be coming to an end. This is part of the Mobile Expeditionary High Energy Laser program is already being used across Europe and tested out on field experimentation.

This 5Kw laser will be used for everything from combatting and countering drones to taking out snipers, handling obstacles and setting off ordnance without having to get up close and personal. It could even be used to help limit enemy landing zones or defend airfields: the uses that it has can already feel quite limitless.

Tested at 2, 5 and 10Kw, this is a whole new kind of firepower that simply would not have seemed possible a decade ago. It’s been part of the program since the 2016 Maneuver Fires Integrated Experiment that took place in 2016. The coming year will see the 10Kw version tested out further.

Working atop tactical light vehicles mostly, this mounted weapons platform allows for easy adjustment and combat of just about any drone device. Now made public, this exciting new advancement in military technology lets us see just where the military industry is going to target new, modern threats.

Finding the right limit

While the power level of the device is about to go into the 10Kw level, we can expect this to be a range that is enough for now. According to experts on the field, that will be more than enough for a short-range, cost-effective solution for combatting drones and similar issues. With the capacity to take down as many as 10 targets in a few moments, anyway, is there really any need for extra power?

Seemingly so. While happy with the 10Kw limit for now, reports suggest that Boeing is already working on a 100Kw edition. This would be used for dealing with things like missiles and artillery fire, and would certainly make it much easier to feel comfortable with the threat of incoming artillery fire. While the machinations of war might never be something to feel too comfortable with major tech changes like this can only help to preserve the lives of soldiers serving.